The story of Joseph's life is full of twists and turns and is recorded in the book of Genesis. Joseph's mother died after giving birth to his little brother. He was the favorite son of his father who made him a colorful coat. When his ten half-brothers saw that their father loved him so much, they hated him and did not speak harmoniously to him. Things got worse when Joseph shared two dreams meaning his family would prostrate to the ground and bow to him. This made his brothers even more hateful and jealous, mocking him as "that dreamer".
At age seventeen, Joseph was sold by his brothers to the Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt. Pharaoh's chamberlain, Potiphar, the captain of the guard, bought him as a slave. Because God was with Joseph, everything went smoothly for him, and his master left all the household chores in his hands. Unexpectedly, the master's wife fell in love with him and wanted to sleep with him. But Joseph was firm in his principle and would not listen to her or sleep with her, because "how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?"
One day, Joseph went into the house to work, and there was no one else there. The woman grabbed his clothes and said, "Come sleep with me!" Joseph threw the clothes in the her hands and ran outside. As a result, she falsely accused Joseph to her husband, "Your slave has treated me like this."
Potiphar was angry and had Joseph thrown into prison where the king's prisoners were kept. But God was with Joseph and showed him favor, making everything he did successful. The warden gave all the prisoners in the dungeon into Joseph's hands. Those included the king's cupbearer and the chief baker. Later, Joseph had the opportunity to interpret their separate dreams, and things seemed to finally be turning around.
“This is what it means,” Joseph said to him. “The three branches are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer. But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.” (Genesis 40:12-15)
Three days later, the cupbearer was indeed reinstated, but he did not remember Joseph and actually forgot about him for another two years ... Can you imagine Joseph's disappointment?
Disappointment is that feeling of being let down by a person, an expectation or a hope. It is a normal reaction that everyone experiences. But all too often, when we’re disappointed and especially need caring attention, we beat ourselves up instead. Take this quiz to reflect on your thinking and see how well you take care of yourself after a disappointment.
1. I recognize that disappointment is a part of life. When I experience a disappointment, it doesn’t mean I’m a bad person or that I deserved it.
2. When I experience disappointment, I allow myself to have my feelings. I realize that when I give emotions the time and attention they need and deserve, they tend to go away on their own.
3. With the help of a therapist, counselor, or in another safe environment, I can work through other feelings that disappointment brings to the surface. These feelings often include shock, hurt, and anger.
4. When faced with new disappointments, I avoid making immediate conclusions about my actions or role in the situation. Self-analysis has its place, but in the early stages it's more likely to be destructive self-blame and suppression of one's feelings.
5. I take steps to prevent disappointment from turning into depression or bitterness. These include healthy eating, getting plenty of sleep, exercising, and seeking support from family, friends, and counseling.
6. I don’t make major life decisions until my strong feelings subside and I begin to feel some enthusiasm or hope again.
7. If I am disappointed with a person, I will not reflexively end the relationship. when I feel calm, centered, and in a safe situation, I will engage in conversation with this person
8. When the intensity of the feeling has faded, I ask myself if there’s anything that I can salvage or learn from the situation.
9. Also, when I am feeling more hopeful, in order to gain insight, I ask myself, “What if this is not a setback, but actually what I want?” Among other things, my answers will reveal any ambivalence I may have had and may help make future endeavors more successful.
10. If I am repeatedly disappointed by life or other people, I am willing to consider what actions or beliefs of mine might be contributing to those experiences.
Disappointment doesn’t have to stop you from getting what you want in life. If you answered "no" to several of these questions, you may want to explore ways to better cope with disappointment. Let me pray for you in Christ, that God will be with you and show you grace.
"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him." (Psalm 62:5)
Author’s content used under license, © Claire Communications
