Bitterness vs. Contentment

I was reading a blog from a lady at my church and came across this post , of which I benefited from. I was reminded today that often bitterness gets
hidden under self pity, and we all know how easy it is to feel sorry for ourselves. Often, we tend to think of bitterness as a feeling towards someone for something that they’ve done. But it can just as easily be a feeling of resentment because of something that has or hasn’t happen to us. In reality, it’s a resentment towards God, for he is the one in control and sovereign over all. The verse “Man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his path.” has become very alive to me in the last few months. I’ve made plenty of plans over the years, but I must say, my life never turns out the way I’ve imagined. I still have to remind myself from time to time, that it’s not because God doesn’t love me, it’s because He knows what’s best for me. Especially for those who are single, the temptation to grow bitter about relationships, or lack of them, can be a real struggle. I think the more content we become, the less bitterness is a temptation. 1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” My caregroup leader’s wife gave me this a while ago and I’ve found it to be a real blessing. It was taken from the book Spiritual Depression: its causes and its cures, by Martin Lloyd Jones. And though I’ve never read it, I’ve gleaned a lot from this excerpt and read if often. If you ever find yourself becoming discouraged remind yourself of these truths….

Contentment:

1. Conditions are always changing; therefore I must obviously not be dependent upon conditions.

2. What matters supremely and vitally is my soul and my relationship to God – that is the first thing.

3. God is concerned about me as my Father, and nothing happens to me apart from God. Even the very hairs of my head are all numbered. I must never forget that.

4. God’s will and God’s ways are a great mystery, but I know that whatever He wills or permits is of necessity for my good.

5. Every situation in life is the unfolding of some manifestation of God’s love and goodness. Therefore my business is to look for this particular manifestation of God’s goodness and kindness and to be prepared for surprises and blessings because ‘His ways are not my ways, neither are His thoughts my thoughts’.

6. I must regard circumstances and conditions, not in and of themselves therefore, but as a part of God’s dealings with me in the work of perfecting my soul and bringing me to final perfection.

7. Whatever my conditions may be at this present moment, they are only temporary, and they are only passing, and they can never rob me of the joy and the glory that ultimately await me with Christ.”

I heard this quote once and though simple, it's true. We've gotta "Let go, and let God". Blessings to all!