Lately, I’ve found myself weighed down by the state of the world—political division, emotional turmoil, injustice, and constant negativity that seems to seep into every conversation. It’s easy to feel disheartened, even bitter, about the way things are.
NOT LIKING GOD’S DIRECTIONS
Many people over the years have felt the same. The historical circumstances may change, but the choice in response remains constant. A perfect example of bitterness is the Israelites. They needed rescued, and only God could do it. But they were bitter as they took the long way out of Egypt. What they didn’t know was that God knew the short route contained enemies armed for war, and the long route avoided these dangers. The Israelites were angry with Moses and stated it would be better to serve the Egyptians than die in the desert. Their fussing and complaining led to bitterness in their hearts.
DO YOU WANT TO BE BITTER OR BETTER?
“Do you want to be bitter or better?” Pastor Mike asked this question in his sermon series in Exodus. Moses challenged the people in Exodus 14: 13-14: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
LOSING SIGHT OF THE DELIVERER
I, like the Israelites, tend to lose sight of my Deliverer. Navigating the grief journey with the loss of my father, mother, and son to cancer is hard. Many days my heart is heavy and bitter, and my eyes wander away from my Rescuer. Bitterness is a vicious thief. It steals my peace and dims my light.
THE CHOICE
Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds me: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Hebrews 12:2 tells us to be “Fixing your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” God’s promises remain constant. We do not have to dwell in bitterness. Psalm 121: 7-8 states, “The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
BECOMING OPEN TO JOY
When I choose to trust and be better instead of bitter, I feel a shift. I find more joy in the work I do, more patience in the conversations I have, and more peace in my heart. In those moments, I realize it allows Christ’s light to shine through me for others to see. Being better through Christ changes me.
DON’T LET THE THIEF STEAL YOUR JOY
What about you? What is bitterness stealing from you? Our rescuer, Jesus, is here to help. Fix your eyes on Him and trust Him. Spend time with Him daily and allow His Word to change your heart. “Do you want to be bitter or better?” is your choice. Don’t allow bitterness to steal your peace and dim your light. God’s best for you is not to dwell in the land of bitterness, but “BETTERNESS”!