Bitterness can cause us to miss how God is blessing us even in the midst of a broken heart which is why God wants our hearts clear of bitterness. Ephesians 4:31 instructs is to:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31 NIV)
We can learn about the impact of bitterness from Naomi in the book of Ruth, who traveled from Moab to Israel when her husband and sons died. When Naomi arrived in Israel, she told everyone not to call her Naomi anymore but to call her Mara which means bitter because she said the Lord had dealt bitterly with her. (Ruth 1:20-21 ESV)
In her bitterness, Naomi failed to realize that God blesses her with a faithful daughter- in- law Ruth who stayed by her side (she was not alone), it was harvest season when she arrived in Israel (she was not hungry), she had a home to go back to, (She was not lost) and God had a plan even when she couldn’t see it yet (Her God was still faithful). If you’ve read the book of Ruth, you know the Lord miraculously provides for Naomi and Ruth, even in their heartbreak.
I know it’s hard to look on the bright side when everything feels dark. When our hearts are broken, it’s easy for jealousy, resentment, bitterness and defensiveness to fester. But when we take time to pause and really see how God was and is moving and protecting us, even in our heartbreak, we can move our hearts towards gratitude. We can slowly take our focus off the pain alone and see God’s love and goodness to begin healing. Today, I encourage you to receive God’s healing and peace even during challenging circumstances.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, when I’m faced with difficult seasons and want to become bitter, please forgive me and help me to look to You for healing and give thanks for the ways you are still blessing me. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray. Amen.