From Bitterness To Blessedness Series

In time they become overwhelming… insurmountable.

But for all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it.

For example:

We say: "It’s impossible."

God says: All things are possible in Luke 18:27.

We say: "I’m too tired."

God says: I will give you rest in Matthew 11:28-20.

We say: "Nobody really loves me."

God says: I love you along with the whole world in John 3:16 & John 13:34.

When troubles continue to mount, we begin to falter.

We say: "I can’t go on."

God says: My grace is sufficient in II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15.

We say: "I can’t figure things out."

God says: in Proverbs 3:5-6, I will direct your steps.

We say: "I can’t do it."

God says: You can do all things in Philippians 4:13.

We say: "I’m not able."

God says: I am able in II Corinthians 9:8.

In time, we are tempted to throw in the towel.

We say: "I can’t forgive myself."

God says: I forgive you in I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1.

We say: "I can’t manage.”

God says: I will supply all your needs in Philippians 4:19.

We say: "I’m afraid."

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear in II Timothy 1:7.

We say: "I’m always worried and frustrated."

God says: In I Peter 5:7,Cast all your cares on ME.

We say: "I don’t have enough faith."

God says: I’ve given everyone a measure of faith in Romans 12:3.

We say: "I’m not smart enough."

God says: I give you wisdom in I Corinthians 1:30.

In desperation, we say: "I feel all alone."

God says: In Hebrews 13:5, I will never leave you or forsake you.

Bitterness is the work of the devil.

He knows that it is one of the most crushing mental attitudes in our life.

It paralyzes us.

It consumes our attention.

It blinds our vision.

It is our own worst enemy.

It destroys close fellowship with the Lord.

It leads to the loss of many of the blessings—emotional stability, peace, and joy to name but a few.

Since bitterness is of the flesh and not the Spirit of God, it shuts off our production of good works—the gold, silver, and precious stones--which are a major source of blessings and rewards in the plan of God.

Unchecked and unconfessed, bitterness can lead to a wide range of other sins: Hatred… cruelty… antagonism … self-pity… vindictiveness and the desire for revenge… just to name a few.

Just what is biblical bitterness?

The Greek words—pikros and pikria—meaning bitter or bitterness are used no less than 40 times in the Greek translation of the Old Testament.

Only once does it describe something that is bitter, and that is the reference to "bitter" water in Exodus 15:23.

The original meaning is "sharp", or "pointed". In time it came to describe anything unpleasant, undesirable, or something bad and unexpected.

More often than not, it describes a bitter person—someone soured and cruel. (Ruth 1:20; Hab. 1:6).

In the New Testament, there are 7 references to bitterness as

• Suffering of mind and body,

• Something that is difficult to bear,

• Something that causes animosity and reaction,

• Something that is brought about by hatred or antagonism. (Matt. 26:75; Luke 22:62; Acts 8:23; Rom. 3:14; Eph. 4:31; James 3:11,14).