What does “American Idol” have in common with the Bible?

When I was a young Mom I used to love to watch “Soap Operas”. I was basically addicted to them and felt sad if I missed an episode.

I am not much of a TV watcher today but there are still a few TV series type shows that I enjoy watching. When I get on a “roll” of a few consistent days, I hate to miss an episode. One of my favorites is American Idol (up until this season anyway) another is JAG. I have somehow been caught up in watching old reruns with my Ex-Marine husband. (Once a Marine, always a Marine right?).

As I have been essentially “watching” the story of Joseph during my daily Bible reading, God has given me fresh eyes and fresh perspective on a story I have read many times before. I honestly cannot wait to get to my “Prayer Chair” each morning for my next assignment. The last few days I found it difficult to stop at the end of my assigned Chapters.

THAT is how God means for His Word to be.

The Bible is Fresh, Exciting and Life Changing regardless of how many times you read it.

God’s Word applies today and helps answer questions and leads us in situations and circumstances of daily life.

As I read Genesis Chapter 43-44 those old soap operas came to mind. I mean really, this stuff is intense.

The Bible is filled with intrigue and family conflict. It is ripe with love, loss and ludicrous behavior.

The story of Joseph is a perfect example.

I have studied professionally about anger, for my post abortion recovery program “Surrendering the Secret”. Anger is a very real and healthy part of the grief process. It is a God created emotion that allows our hearts and minds to process a wrong, painful or hurtful occurrence in our lives.

Jesus expressed anger.

If you don’t believe it, check this out:

John 2:14-17 (New International Version)

14In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables. 16To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!”

Joseph handled his anger with his brothers a bit differently. He played head games with them. He played them like pawns. I’m not saying it seemed very “NICE” or Christian like behavior. I’m just sayin’…THAT is what he did and God used it to teach us!!

It reminds me of when my little G-Girl catches a lizard (Yep-THE GIRL child!) and puts it in a bucket just so she can “play” with it for a while. If I didn’t hate Lizards and refuse to touch them, I would come to the rescue of those little reptiles! Torture away honey girl! Entertain yourself.

I think it is so funny to think about the fact that GOD allowed this to happen just as it did. God allowed Joseph to work through His anger, knowing how the story would end. He knew what was coming in the next few Chapters. He knew the steps it would take for Joseph to heal. He knew what the brothers’ would have to experience in order to finally receive forgiveness.

God knows what is going on in our lives even when we don’t fully understand. He knows what we need for complete redemptive healing.

FREEDOM.

4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. 
       Selah

Psalm 4:4 (New International Version)

26″In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

Ephesians 4:26 (New International Version)

Some hurts are so deep that we must be allowed to express our anger in a healthy and safe way. That is what Joseph did.

I love the part that says, “he (Joseph) found a private place to weep” (Gen: 43:30)

As I have found my own emotional and spiritual FREEDOM from past pain and loss, and shared that restoration with others, I have seen the role that anger plays in the healing process.

How have you processed righteous anger in the past?

Have you felt that it was OK for you to be angry?

Have you experienced a SAFE Place, a private place with a mentor, counselor or prayer partner to express anger?

How has God used that time to draw you closer to Himself?

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2 Comments

  1. Pat! I was looking around on my computer and found you have a new blog! It’s so pretty and its good to see you there and read your encouraging words. Loved this post… thanks. Prayers said for you. 🙂
    Love, JaNahn

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