I think it’s fair to say that God speaks to us in different ways all the time. Sometimes it’s so hard to hear Him, it’s almost as if He’s standing behind us whispering and when we turn around to ask for clarification He just smiles, knowing we’ll figure it out eventually. Others it’s like He’s speaking through a megaphone directly to you so you don’t have the chance to mess up what He has to say. He doesn’t do this in a mean oh my goodness please be quiet and listen way but in an alright, you really need some obvious direction way. I need that obvious direction.
Lately I’ve really been (unknowingly at points) struggling with bitterness. Bitterness for different reasons and towards different people and situations but bitterness all the same. It comes in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and colors but it all boils down to me ending up feeling angry, confused, and alone. It tears away at your soul.
I just recently finished up reading Job and what a roller coaster that has been. I found myself really relating to Job at times because even though he remained faithful during his trials, he complained A LOT. He was very confused and very bitter and the whole time I was reading I felt myself getting annoyed. Not necessarily at Job or at God but at the whole situation. Annoyed at his complaints, annoyed at the almost superficial support from his friends, annoyed at it all. But then BOOM, chapter 38, the Lord SHOWS UP. I couldn’t help but laugh at times as God was basically laying out Biblical truth for Job, almost chastising him for questioning God’s will. He illustrated His power, His mercy, His knowledge of everything that has ever existed or ever will existed. So why was I laughing? My laughter was not that of hilarity, it was that of recognition and embarrassment. It was like God wasn’t having that conversation with Job but instead having it with me. God was telling me to be quiet, stop stressing, and trust that He has all of my worries and concerns under control. My life was planned already, I just need to have faith.
Immediately Job repents. God demands a response and all Job can manage to say is that he’s sorry. Isn’t that how we all react when we realize we’ve been unfaithful, when we realize we’ve questioned His divine will?
It started with a song (Bitter by Andy Mineo) while I was working out. The very next day I was driving home from work and a sermon was on the radio about letting go of bitterness. Two days later I was sitting in class as we discussed how bitterness can ruin a relationship. I hear ya, God, I get it, I may or may not be struggling with a little bitterness.
Job 42 is where hope is found in bitter situations. God not only forgives but He also restores Job and blesses him greatly. I’m not saying I expect to receive bundles of blessings on my doorstep the minute I let go of bitterness, I’m saying I’m thankful for Job. I’m thankful that he shows a glowing example of faithfulness despite unimaginable hardships. I’m thankful for a God who restores and forgives and blesses us even if we nag sometimes. I’m thankful for the megaphone.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
God forgives us, despite our sinful ways. Let me be like Him, let us all be like Him.
Love always,
Katie
