Genesis 37: 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

Whether or not we are actually in a deep pit by ourselves, sometimes we feel like we are.

Suffering often brings an otherness to our lives, and it can make us feel isolated from others.  American poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s line, “Laugh and the world laughs with you; weep, and you will weep alone,” seems very real to us.

In the book, “The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers,” author Amy Hollingsworth quotes from a letter from Fra Giovanni, a sixteenth-century priest.  “Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty, believe me, that angel’s hand [that brings it to you] is there, and the wonder of an overshadowing presence.”

Hollingsworth goes on to say that “Even recoverable loss takes something away; it leaves you changed, less protected.”  We feel less protected and vulnerable, but God’s goodness and provision are still there.  It is in the dark pit that we go slowly and quietly, and in that stillness, we find the blessings of God’s grace and mercy.

Heavenly Father, be merciful to me, be merciful to me, for in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by.  I cry to You, to God Most High, who fulfills Your purpose for me.  You will send from heaven and save me, You will send forth Your steadfast love and faithfulness.  Amen.  (Based on Psalm 57:1-3)