MAY 27
Psalm 105:16-17, “When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave.”
Psalm 105 is a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His people. It calls believers to remember and proclaim His mighty deeds—how He chose Abraham, protected the patriarchs, delivered Israel from Egypt, and faithfully guided them through the wilderness into the Promised Land. One of the clearest examples of God’s providence highlighted in this psalm is the life of Joseph.
Though Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, God was at work behind the scenes. Removed from his home in Canaan and taken to Egypt, Joseph first served in Potiphar’s house and later endured unjust imprisonment. Yet even in these lowly places, God’s presence and favor remained with him. Through God’s enabling, Joseph interpreted dreams—an ability that eventually brought him before Pharaoh. When Pharaoh was troubled by dreams no one could explain, Joseph, by God’s wisdom, revealed their meaning: seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.
Pharaoh, recognizing the Spirit of God in Joseph, appointed him as second-in-command over all Egypt. Joseph faithfully managed the storage of grain during the plentiful years, preparing the nation for the famine to come. When the crisis arrived, Egypt had food—and so did Joseph’s family, who came seeking help, unaware that the brother they had betrayed was now their savior. In hindsight, Joseph declared, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good… to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20). Through Joseph’s story, Psalm 105 illustrates how God sovereignly uses even human sin and suffering to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
This psalm—and Joseph’s journey—call us to remember God’s faithfulness and trust His providence. When tempted to forget, Psalm 105 urges us to reflect, give thanks, and walk confidently, knowing that the same God who worked all things for good then is still at work today (Romans 8:28).
“But God meant it for good.”—Genesis 50:20
Application Questions: How can remembering God’s past faithfulness—both in Scripture and in your own life—help you trust Him more fully in present trials or uncertain seasons? Are there areas in your life where, like Joseph, you need to believe that God is working behind the scenes—even when circumstances seem unjust or confusing?
LookingtoJesus 