Often times we get angry when we don’t get what we want. And then we allow our anger to fester, which ultimately leads to a root of bitterness being anchored in our hearts. Then once bitterness sets up in our hearts, it will manifest itself in a myriad of ways and control our decisions and interactions with those we feel didn’t comply with our “demands” — God included.
Bitterness is a cancer that will rob us of our peace and joy, and impact our relationships in negative ways. In the end, no one wins. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father becomes distant, and we block our blessings. We miss out on the fullness of what God has for us. And our loved ones, family, friends, and co-workers all suffer at the hands of our ungodly wrath.
We’re instructed to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, and all ungodly behavior, and to be kind to each other, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another (Ephesians 4:31-32). So while it’s true that we can’t always get what we want, it’s equally true that we don’t have to let bitterness control our future.
How long are you going to allow bitterness to control your life? Another day? Another month? Another year? Another five, ten, twenty years? How long?
I’d like to propose to do it God’s way. His way is the only way that leads to victory. When we step outside of God’s way, we are only setting ourselves up for disappointment and heartache.
Walk in the light of God’s word, and be free from the bondage of bitterness. Live in the freedom of His word — forgiveness, just as God through Christ has forgiven us.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your sovereign guidance. Show me anything that I have in my heart that I need to let go of. Help me to forgive and let go of the disappointment and heartache so that I can live in victory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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