A way to overcome bitterness……….

A way to overcome bitterness……….

 

Overcoming bitterness seems to be one of the toughest battles you have had to face. Are you still plagued today with a secret bitterness that just won't let go? Do you bear the tell-tale signs of this unresolved condition, such as cynicism and sarcasm? A bitter person can also be given to emotional extremes, relentless in his strivings, harshly reproachful and full of underlying anger. If you have ever tasted straight vinegar, you know it's very bitter...but imagine mixing vinegar with gall (the bile of an animal). When Jesus was on the cross, it was after He received this bitter cup that He said, "It is finished" (John 19:30). I've often wondered if this symbolized that bitterness was the last thing that Jesus overcame on the cross. If you are suffering from symptoms of bitterness, remember that, even if it was the last thing He tackled, Jesus totally overcame it on the cross; God also illustrated this point through the children of Israel. Remember when they came to Marah, "They could not drink its water because it was bitter...Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water and the water became sweet" (Exodus 15:23-25-NLT). The piece of wood in this story represents the cross...the cross of Christ which, when applied to your life, can make even the most bitter waters of your heart sweet. Hold this promise in your heart on this day and let His cross wipe out any bitterness hidden there.