Bitter vs. Better

Devotion from the Garden

Bitter vs. Better

Anyone that gardens knows the importance of removing weeds with the root. All too often, I pull the top off of the weed and leave the root. I do this because the roots are difficult, and, in the moment, I just desire it to look more pleasing. My thoughts are far from the work I am leaving for myself in the near future. 

I’m also guilty of this in my life. There are roots of bitterness that grow deep. Rather than digging down and taking hold of the root, I modify my behavior for the moment. I behave by the ole “don’t let your crazy show” motto and do my best to move on. This fools the world, but it doesn’t fool the Spirit. The Spirit still sees the mess of weeds that crowds my soul. 

Scripture warns of the dangers of bitterness.  “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” Hebrews 12:15. The hard part becomes evident when you seek a solution. And I think that society has taught us to never bring a problem before your authority without a possible solution, and, if we are honest, that’s how we approach God. “Lord, I’m bitter because of XYZ, and I would feel better if you would ABC.” God has the solution, He just wants us to bring the problem before Him. Because here is the real concern…bitterness is a byproduct of unforgiveness, jealousy, brokenness, betrayal, etc. Bitterness isn’t the issue, what causes the bitterness is the issue, and the only one that can dig that root up is Him. So cast those cares on Him. Come before Him in your bitterness and lay your heart open before Him. Be honest, raw and genuine. Don’t bring Him solutions… just bring Him the problem and let the Spirit move you to the solution. When you surrender your bitterness to Him, you can truly be made better. 

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Ephesians 3:17-19

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

James 4:8

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Psalm 37:7

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Psalm 50:15

“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Romans 6:13

Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.