Aloneness

There is a difference between aloneness and being lonely. Often the loneliest times in our lives are when we are with others. Many examples of aloneness and loneliness are recorded in the Bible.
Joseph was the son of Jacob and his favorite wife, Rachel. He had several older brothers, who knew that Joseph was his father's favorite son. Imagine Joseph following his brothers around, wanting to be accepted by them, friends with them; but they were disappointed not to have greater favor with their father. Being older, grown men when Joseph was still a child, they had worked for the benefit of the family. They had spent years tending the animals, caring for their parents, and working. And yet the child Joseph was their father's favorite.
So when Jacob gave Joseph the coat of many colors, a visible sign of his special favor, the older brothers were angry. They had worked and been good sons, but the child received the favor. Joseph, being young, didn't understand that when he showed the coat to his brothers, that would make them dislike him all the more. He just wanted to be with his brothers, a part of their group and partaking of their camaraderie.
Joseph must have felt so alone among his brothers, so alone in his own family. He was inexperienced in hearing from God, but came to know that his strength and his fellowship was with God.


O give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name. Psalm 105.1