TAKEN

He established it as a statute for Joseph, when he went out against Egypt, when we heard a language we did not understand.

Psalm 81:5

I had to stop and re-read that passage several times, mentally review the chronology and genealogy of the Old Testament story.  

When did Joseph ever go out against Egypt?
He went in, (more appropriately he was TAKEN in) but when did he go out against Egypt?1

The question then becomes;  Why would God take Joseph into Egypt, via the vehicle of famine, for the purpose of rescue, only to have it become a 40 year call to bondage? 2

And what does that have to do with us today?

As one reads the Exodus events, it is clear that the divine plan of God was in play;

You intended to harm me, 

but God intended it for good to accomplish what now is being done, 

the saving of many lives.

Gen 50:20

We have all been taken down to Egypt. And if you haven't yet visited Egypt, I guarantee you will at some point in your life.

There will be a pit you are buried in. One that in your own strength you won't be able to crawl out of.

In this world you will have trouble. 3 

Parent will fail you-
Brother will betray you-
Friend will disappoint you.
God will seem silent.

The enemy will accuse you--
and jail your heart if you let him.

Dreams will die and hope will fade.

The multi-colored robe of your reality will be bloodied with the muck of this world.

But take care!  I have overcome the world. 3

Wherever you are in life, God has brought you in.

Wherever you are in life, God will take you out.

The next time you're tempted to question your circumstances or the seeming unfairness of life or lot, consider the truth that nothing in God's design is accidental or random.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

1.  Exodus 6:6, Psalm 77:15, Deuteronomy 9:29. The united kingdom of Israel experienced a division of tribes in roughly 975-586 B.C.
The Northern Kingdom, Israel, was also referred to as "Joseph" or "Ephraim.  Most likely, then, going out against Egypt was a reference to the whole of Israel and the Exodus, not a personal insurgence of Joseph against Egypt.

2.  Genesis 15:13

3 John 16:33