JULY 16 – The joy stealer

Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome” - Genesis 32:28

God knows the devastating effects of worry on our lives. He knows how anxious thoughts can corrode our faith like acid. Worry robs us of joy; it steals our hope.

In His Sermon on the Mount, the most repeated phrase used by Jesus was “Do not worry.” He was wise to repeat this so many times, because He knew the devastating effect anxiety has on our faith, hope and joy. Perhaps this was why, in the same sermon, He said, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own” (Matthew 6:34). Contentment holds a secret – take one day at a time, not ten, not five, but one day.

Esau had every human right to disown his brother Jacob. Jacob hadn't been much of a brother to Esau. He had tricked him, taken advantage of him, and stolen from his older brother. Jacob eventually fled the country in fear, and the two brothers hadn't met or spoken for almost two decades. Then God intervend and told Jacob to return to his relatives (Genesis 31:3). Jacob obeyed and set off – despite his fear that Esau would probably kill him on sight. “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. (Genesis 33:4).

Six of the Ten Commandments are about human relationships, but what about those relationships that seem beyond repair? Two key insights are in the reconciliation of Jacob and Esau – the first is obedience. Only God knows the condition of the human heart, and when it's the right time for reconciliation. Jacob returned because God told him to, and he obeyed.

Prayer is the second element. Jacob knew he would be unable to do it without God's help, so he prayed long and hard that the way of return would be made plain and clear.

Is there someone in your life who is longing for reconciliation with you? Are you resisting because you worry what their reaction to you will be? Don't let worry steal your hope, and joy. In faith take it to the Lord. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

The choice of song today is “Be Not Afraid” - Marilla Ness.