We're not exactly sure what Joseph means by "All shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians" (46:34).... Most likely this was an issue of class, that herding sheep was below the dignity of upper class Egyptians. Being an owner of livestock is different from being a shepherd, just like a rancher is considered a cut above a cowboy. —Ralph F. Wilson, The Life of Jacob
The Most Depressing Day
Scientists in the UK have calculated that the most depressing day of the year comes in the third week of January. Winter days are dark and cold, holiday excitement has worn off just as debts are coming due, and New Year’s resolutions have all been broken. The celebrations, gift-giving, and good intentions that once made us feel happy now press us down and leave us feeling hopeless.
Long ago in Egypt the Hebrew people had high hopes that Moses was going to rescue them from slavery. But their hopes were dashed when the good intentions of Moses led to worse conditions for them. Instead of gaining freedom, the people were pressed even harder by slave drivers who demanded that they produce more bricks with fewer resources.
Moses cried out, "Lord, ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all" (Exodus 5:23 NIV).
As Moses and the Hebrew people were about to learn, God’s rescue plans sometimes don’t kick in until all hope seems to be gone.
If the circumstances of your life seem to be going from bad to worse, sending you into depression and despair, remember that God always hears and answers our cries, but in His time, not ours. —Julie Ackerman Link
Click here to read the published version in Our Daily Bread.
Click here for more information about "Blue Monday."
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