When God allows us to go to prison because of our service to Him, it is nearly the most blessed place in the world that we could be, because He goes with us. Joseph seems to have known this truth. He did not sulk, become discouraged and rebellious, or engage in self-pity by thinking “everything was against him.” If he had done so, the prison warden would never have trusted him.

May we remember that if self-pity is allowed to set in, we will never be used by God again until it is totally removed. Joseph simply placed everything in joyful trust upon the Lord, and as a result, the prison warden placed everything into Joseph’s care.

Lord Jesus, when the prison door closes behind me, keep me trusting in You with complete and overflowing joy. Give Your work through me great success, and even in prison make me “free indeed” (John 8:36).

A little bird I am, Shut from the fields of air, And in my cage I sit and sing To Him who placed me there; Well pleased a prisoner to be, Because, My God, it pleases Thee.

My cage confines me round, Freely I cannot fly, But though my wings are closely bound, My soul is at liberty; For prison walls cannot control The flight or freedom of the soul.

I have learned to love the darkness of sorrow, for it is there I see the brightness of God’s face. MADAME GUYON