Just Call Me "Mara" (Bitter)

 Just call me "Mara" (bitter)

Life can deal some bitter blows.

Blows that can cause you to battle bitterness. 

You try not to give in, but the struggle is real. 

The struggle is hard. 

I've said and taught for many years:

We have two choices....

Either to become bitter 

Or to become better. 

Bitterness is a poison.

The main person it infects is the one allowing it to harbor and fester in their heart.

There are many examples in the Bible of those who were dealt bitter blows by Life or by the actions of others. Two particular ones come to mind....

Joseph refused to become bitter and was eventually exalted to the palace. 

Naomi battled bitterness from the loss of her husband and two sons.  

She re-named herself Mara (bitter) - Ruth 1:20

But she had a daughter in law who tried to help her get through the bitter days. 

God saw her hurting, grieving heart. He didn't hold it against her. He walked with her through the trial and eventually her heart was able to find joy again.  

This thought has come to me off and on the past couple days and again today.  It won't leave me so I'm posting to encourage someone....

If you are battling bitterness,  God wants to heal your hurting heart and bind up your wounds.

While it is a choice whether to succumb to bitterness or to allow yourself to heal and become better through it, the struggle is real.  The struggle is hard.

But we have a God who will never leave nor forsake you.

He will walk with you every step of the way.

He'll never leave nor forsake you.

In time, He will make the bitter waters sweet again just as He did for Joseph and Naomi.  

Naomi was no longer called Mara but instead became known as Blessed. 

You will be, as well. 

Just don't allow the bitterness to take root and grow.