Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotional for Couples on Parashat Miketz

Parashat Miketz: “From the Pit to the Palace: Trusting G-d Together”

Genesis 41:1–44:17

Listen to your Devotional HERE

Core Theme for Couples

Waiting, interpretation, and G-d’s timing, learning to trust Hashem together when circumstances don’t make sense.

Devotional Reflection

Parashat Miketz opens with a powerful phrase:

“At the end of two full years…” (Genesis 41:1)

Joseph has done everything “right”: he remained faithful, used his gifts, and honored G-d, yet he still waits. Two years pass in silence before Pharaoh suddenly calls for him. What felt like a delay was actually divine preparation.

For couples, this Parashah speaks deeply to shared waiting:

• Waiting for clarity
• Waiting for healing
• Waiting for provision
• Waiting for restoration in the relationship itself

Joseph’s rise is not sudden; it is revealed. What G-d was forming in secret is unveiled at the right moment.

Yeshua echoes this truth:

“Blessed are those who hear the word of G-d and keep it.” (Luke 11:28)

Faithfulness during silence shapes character, and marriage reveals that character under pressure.

Couples Counseling Insight (CBT-Informed)

Joseph does not interpret Pharaoh’s dreams from fear or ego. He reframes the situation through truth:

“It is not in me; G-d will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (Genesis 41:16)

In relationships, anxiety often comes from false interpretations:

• “This delay means G-d forgot us.”
• “If my spouse hasn’t changed yet, they never will.”
• “If things were G-d’s will, it would be easier.”

Joseph models cognitive reframing rooted in faith:

G-d is still working, even when I cannot see it.

Couples grow stronger when they learn to interpret challenges together through truth rather than fear.

Devotional Exercise for Couples

1. Shared Reflection

Sit together and discuss:

• Where are we currently “waiting” as a couple?
• What emotions does this waiting stir in each of us?
• How might G-d be preparing us, not just the outcome?

(Listen without fixing. This builds emotional safety.)

2. Reframing the Narrative

Each partner completes this sentence aloud:

“One challenge we are facing right now might be forming ________ in us.”

Examples:

• patience
• humility
• unity
• dependence on G-d

This mirrors Joseph’s journey: from prisoner to steward.

3. Prayer of Alignment

Pray together (or read aloud):

Avinu Malkeinu,
Teach us to trust You in the waiting.
Help us interpret our season through Your truth, not our fear.
Like Joseph, may we remain faithful in small places
so we are ready when You open the next door.
Unite our hearts, strengthen our love,
and help us walk this journey together in shalom.
In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

Closing Encouragement

Joseph’s elevation blesses not only Egypt, but his entire family.

Likewise, when couples stay faithful in hidden seasons, their marriage becomes a vessel of blessing beyond themselves.

What G-d is doing in you together is just as important as what He will do through you.

Shabbat shalom, and may your home be filled with wisdom, patience, and hope.

Machaseh Shel Tikvah Admin Office

Series Note: This devotional is part of “Walking Together in Covenant,” a Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotionals for Couples Series from Machaseh Shel Tikvah (Shelter of Hope) for Counseling, a member of the Village of Hope & Justice Ministry Family. Each weekly devotional follows the Torah portions of the Tanakh and Brit Chadashah, offering couples space for reflection, journaling, prayer, and emotional-spiritual growth within the covenant.