One of our battles with life is that we often categorize our lives based on what we believe is in our best interests. We need to understand that life is hard, and we learn much from the test of life. While we do not like those tests, they are often the motivation we need to learn. God says in Isaiah 55:8-9, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,” … “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” God has a plan and purpose for the events He allows in our lives, and we need to learn to trust Him because He understands the goal of those events. many of us have been so conditioned by a watered down, “just be joyful” version of Christianity that we are practically incapable of acknowledging aspects of our lives that are being played out in the minor key. Scripture uses the word “Bitter” to describe some of our past or present circumstances so we can face them head-on before we cross the line into sinful bitterness of heart and life. Reminding ourselves that every … READ MORE

People and life in general can treat us in all sorts of ways that the Bible would call bitter. Yet, the Word of God has a very rich and robust theology of suffering to help us respond well to bitter circumstances. Often, we are told, by well-meaning people, to simply apply the words of Philippians 4:4 (“Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice”) to those things, and move one with our lives. The problem is that this ignores the great portions of Scripture that help us process pain and hurt. Being unable or unwilling to speak in the right way, at the right time, to the right people about the bitter circumstances of life is not an antidote but an accelerant to gaining a bitter heart and life. How we handle bitter circumstances will either lead to or prevent a bitter response in both the inner and outer person. If we simply ignore, hurt, pain, or disappointment, we may not see the visible logjam of bitter words and actions. That unaddressed sadness, hurt, and grief will be like a silt that builds up over time. We must find a way to dig down and dredge out that … READ MORE

Bitterness involves a constant interplay between the hands and hte heart, or between the mouth and the heart. It should not surprise us that in one of the Bible’s most extended explanations about the power of the tongue, we find the subject of bitterness mixed into the discussion. James 3:10-11 says, “from the same mouth comes both blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? James is saying, we must examine the source that is producing the bitter words.” What lies under the surface of our actions may be more dangerous and destructive than what we see on the surface. God told Cain as he struggled with his bitterness directed toward his brother Abel, “Sin lies at the door” (Genesis 4:7). Bitterness lies in our hearts like a cancer that eats at us, and makes us miserable. We need to be aware of our hearts and allow the Lord to help us overcome the battle within us. We must learn to allow the Lord to deal with the bitter circumstances and people who are around us. Do not choose to allow … READ MORE