Joy and sorrow are often close
companions. Just as the Israelites went from
the thrill of victory at the Red Sea to the
bitter waters of Marah just 3 days later
(Exodus 15:22-23), our rejoicing can quickly
turn into anguish.
At Marah, the Lord told Moses
to throw a tree into the water, which made it
"sweet" and drinkable (v.25). Another "tree,"
when "cast into" the bitter circumstances of
our lives, can make them sweet. It is the
cross of Jesus (1 Peter 2:24). Our outlook
will be transformed as we contemplate His
sacrificial death and His submission to the
will of God (Luke 22:42).
Our pain may come from the
ill-will of others, or worse, from their
neglect. Nevertheless, our Lord has permitted
it. We may not understand why, yet it is the
will of our Father and Friend, whose wisdom
and love are infinite.
When we say yes to God as His
Spirit reveals His will to us through His
Word, the bitter circumstances of our lives
can become sweet. We must not grumble against
what the Lord permits. Instead, we must do all
that He asks us to do. Jesus said that we are
to take up our cross daily and follow Him
(Luke 9:23).
When we remember Jesus' cross
and submit to the Father as He did, bitter
experiences can become sweet. —David Roper
Lord, I've not always understood
What plan You have for me;
Yet I will glory in Your cross
And bear mine patiently. —Anon.
God uses our difficulties to make us
better—not bitter.
