A FRESH CUP OF JOE

“The Pit”

Genesis 37:19-24

This is the story of Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons. He was hated by his brothers and because of this he was thrown into a pit and sold into slavery only to emerge as ruler of all Egypt. Through Joseph, we learn that life isn’t fair but God can bring us out of the pit and put us on firm ground if we continue to look to Him for our deliverance.

The Pit: A place or situation of futility, misery or destitution.

               *You feel stuck.

How do you get in the pit?

1. Thrown in (by others or circumstances)

   *Jealousy, revenge, a loss

2. Jump in (by your own devices)

   *Giving in to pride and temptations

3. Sometimes you just wake up there.

   *It happens over time.

   *Guilt, despair, resentment

Some truths concerning being in the pit:

1. Your sight is limited.

2. You feel betrayed.

3. It is easy to fall into self-pity.

4. You blame everyone and everything but yourself.

5. You become bitter and angry.

6. You stay too long.

How do I break out of the pit? (Psalm 40:1-4)

1. Wait patiently for the Lord as you cry out to Him.

2. Move from “Why me?” to “What now?”

3. Remain loyal even when it doesn’t seem to make sense.

4. Focus on doing the next right thing that honors God.

5. Remember: God is always greater than the pit.

Final thought:

I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path, and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God.

Psalm 40:1-3a (TLB)