Beware of BitternessSample

An Unseen Barrier Between Us and God

Have you ever considered that your lingering anger might not be directed where you think it is? Bitterness often masquerades as frustration toward people or situations, but at its core, it’s an unrecognized anger toward God. We might believe we’re upset with a person who wronged us or with circumstances that didn’t meet our expectations. Yet, our bitterness stems from a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty over our lives.

Bitterness distinguishes itself as a hardened resentment about past events. It’s the quiet grudge we justify hold onto because of the wrongs we’ve suffered.

But if we truly believe that God is sovereign, that He has a purpose and plan for our lives, can we justify holding onto bitterness? Do we see our lives as a series of random events, or do we trust that God is in control, even when we don’t understand our circumstances?

The Bible gives us examples of individuals who had every human reason to be bitter but chose trust instead. Job, after losing everything—including his health—refused to curse God. When his wife suggested he abandon his integrity and blame God, Job responded by acknowledging God’s sovereignty over both good and difficult times. He accepted that everything comes from God’s hand and chose not to sin by accusing Him of evil.

Joseph is another powerful example. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph had ample reasons to harbor bitterness. Yet, when he reunited with his brothers, he reassured them, saying that while they meant evil against him, God intended it for good. Joseph saw beyond his hardships to God’s greater plan, which ultimately led to the preservation of many lives.

These examples teach us that bitterness is often the fruit of unbelief. When we don’t trust God’s purposes, we become susceptible to resentment. We focus on perceived injustices and fail to see how God might be using our circumstances for a greater good. Bitterness blinds us to God’s sovereignty and hinders our relationship with Him.

Right now, acknowledge God’s sovereignty over every aspect of your life. Trust that He has a purpose even in your hardships. Release your grip on past hurts by bringing them before God in prayer. Ask Him to help you see your circumstances through the lens of His greater plan.

Begin practicing this trust by identifying one area where bitterness has taken hold. Consciously choose to let go of resentment and ask God to replace it with faith in His sovereignty. As you do, you’ll find that bitterness loses its power, and peace begins to fill its place. Remember, trusting God with your life is the key to breaking free from the unseen barrier of bitterness.