“…for Joseph did everything, and Yahuah perfected it.”

-Jubilees 39:13

I can’t help but ponder the word “everything” in this quote. We all want God (Yahuah/ YHWH) to make our work prosperous and perfect and productive. Most days I feel like I am doing the same things over again that I did yesterday: washing dishes, laundry, sweeping the floors, changing diapers.. This list goes on. These things are necessary but rarely feel “productive.” Sometimes it’s nice to accomplish something that isn’t undone by the next day or hour. Motherhood requires a servant’s attitude. Not that we should put our own needs aside and let ourselves go. Even though it seems there’s limited energy by the end of the day to squeeze in another person’s need, which is usually our own. I’m working on that aspect of motherhood!

I am still learning Biblical Hebrew, so finding the translation for the word “everything” in Jubilees 39:13 will be a treasure to seek out as I get to know the language better, but I can compare other verses of Joseph’s life and see that Joseph knew God’s commandments from Abraham’s words that he wrote.

“But he [Joseph] did not surrender his soul, and he remembered Yahuah and the words which Jacob, his father, used to read from amongst the words of Abraham…” Jubilees 39:6.

Ok, so Joseph knew the commandments and followed them. And he was prosperous in all he did. Joseph was enslaved and imprisoned. Is it possible he didn’t always feel prosperous and productive? He served with the joy of God’s Presence in his heart and was blessed. He worked and did everything, and Yahuah perfected it. Holding fast to His Word requires us to know His Word and turn to it in all manners of feelings and circumstances. To turn to it for encouragement when we aren’t feeling so joyful, and to remember Him when we are.

I’m going to strive to have an attitude like Joseph. Commandments and Words held fast to my remembrance while I do everything the day demands, and with the faith that Yahuah will perfect it as He sees fit.