I grew up watching John Wayne movies, where the ultimate man would not allow an injury to keep him from accomplishing his task. Yet what is a person to do when we feel hurt, disappointed, wounded, or broken? I have come to understand that the surprising answer in the Bible comes from the significant number of times the word “bitter” is used to describe our tears. In tandem with learning the art of biblical lament our Lord invites us to discover the place of bitter tears. David was a warrior of warriors, yet he is often seen in the psalms as a man of tears, and who shares his pain to the Lord. This is not to say that tears are the key to overcoming sinful expressions of bitterness. We must understand that we each process our emotions differently, and the last thing we want to do is advocate legalistic expectations. We read these words in Psalm 6:6-7 concerning David, “I am worn out with my groaning; All night long I flood my bed with weeping, I drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; They fail because of my foes”. (NIV). Understand that Bitter tears can … READ MORE

The Bible tells the story of two brothers. From conception they were rivals, they were twins at birth; but never were two men more different. One was a “real man” he was a hunter, and outdoorsman. He was not committed to any one thing, but lived his life one day at a time. He did nothing that did not please him, but only did what he believed would get him the immediate results that craved. The other man, sort of a “momma’s boy.” He was careful and calculating to a fault. He carefully attempted to manipulate all circumstances to bring about the outcome that would best benefit him. Both men were living contrary to the Lord, but one man at least had a vision for what God might offer. This account is found in the book of Genesis. What made Jacob benefit from God’s offer? It was the Grace of God. Even Jacob’s name means, “schemer or manipulator”, there is nothing in Jacob that would manifest goodness. Yet, it is the Grace of God that permits both young men the opportunity to be born into the line of Abraham. Jacob does not turn to God because of his goodness, He … READ MORE

Facing bitter circumstances is an important step in our journey. It requires courage and authenticity to acknowledge the painful aspects of living in this sin-cursed world. Yet there is a corresponding depth of relationship with Jesus available to all who will be honest about the struggle. As a minister of the gospel, I have been called upon to minister to people whose circumstances will not improve in this life apart from a miraculous intervention from God. At such times the bitter circumstances of what they are facing is strong and pungent. 1 Peter reminds us that trials are only for “a little while” the problem with some trials are that they last for the rest of our lives here on earth. We do not always think about the sweetness of heaven when things are going well. However, when our lives are filled with bitter herbs, our hope of heaven can and must be our sweet refuge. Hard roads can actually be good if they lead to delightful destinations. Today, we are reminded that bitter circumstances will enable us to appreciate the promises of God, and see the mighty hand of God at work. We can rest in that understanding. … READ MORE