I’ve been preparing a message on the latter part of Jacob’s life this past week. Jacob went through a tough time. He lost his wife. He lost his father. And he lost his beloved son Joseph for 20 years.
Perhaps, he could have said at that time very cynically,
Our God is in heaven
and does whatever he pleases. (Psalm 115:3)
But at the end of his life, he realized, “God is not capricious. Everything he does has a purpose. And he is good.”
This song was written long after he died, but I could imagine singing to himself,
Israel, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and shield. (9)
For a long time, Jacob probably thought he had been forgotten. But at the end of his life he could sing,
The Lord remembers us and will bless us.
He will bless the house of Israel…
he will bless those who fear the Lord—
small and great alike. (12-13)
So if you’re going through a tough time, if you’re feeling abandoned, remember Jacob’s story. And with hearts filled with faith, let us sing,
Not to us, Lord, not to us,
but to your name give glory
because of your faithful love, because of your truth. (1)
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 