Grief Bites: A New Approach to Growing Through GriefSample

Mad at God? Frustrated with life?

Going through hardships where you have little or no control can lead to bitterness fast...and can potentially harden your heart where you turn away from God and your loved ones.

If anyone is going through trials today, I encourage you to pour your heart out to God and seek Him with everything you have--whether you feel like it or not.

During these difficult times, something that is helpful to remember is that this earth is not our true Home. God DOES have a plan as well as a purpose for EVERY heartache...even when it doesn't seem like it.

There are many grief experiences that can leave you bitter...a spouse who commits adultery...the untimely death of a loved one...an illness or disability...a loved one who has or still continually mistreats or rejects you...abandonment...going through a miscarriage or infertility...betrayal from a family member or friend...an unfair job loss...a family member's rebellion...a bitter divorce...family conflict...loss due to another person's foolish or hateful decisions...being mistreated by church staff, church leaders, or church members...yes, there are many unfair situations in life that can drive you straight into a never ending pit of extreme bitterness.

When bad things happen in life, a natural human response is bitterness. We have to remember that bitterness is a poison that harms only the bitter person and those around them. It is a consuming fire which deeply burns the vessel that holds it, and it always creates more troubles and further loss...but bitterness is a CHOICE.

If you are struggling with bitterness today, talk out your feelings with God, talk to Him about your situation. God is in control and has the power to transform hearts. Even the worst situations can soften when we give our hurts to God and ask Him to intervene and help us through our pain.

It is way too easy to succumb to being a bitter mess during grief or trials...and there are many situations where bitterness would be totally humanly understandable...but please realize this: bitterness will cost you your life purpose and your fellowship with God and loved ones....and nothing is worth that!

Prevent bitterness at all costs. Trust God to do battle for you. Do not take revenge, leave room for God to deal with hurtful people and heartbreaking situations...Revenge is God's responsibility. Our responsibility is to renew our minds and become Christ-like throughout life.

Choose to believe that God is in control. Choose to trust in His sovereignty. He has not forgotten about you, He will not abandon you. He will make every wrong you have experienced completely right one day. God knows all the facts of your situation and has the ability to make something of great value come from all the pain. Ask the Lord for a fresh measure of grace, ask Him for a new ability to forgive.

You are too valuable to become a bitter mess. God wants so much more for you!

Choose to turn towards God's grace today.

By the way...I am truly sorry someone has hurt you and attempted to break your spirit. I pray God blesses you, comforts you, rebuilds you, and heals your heart!