Introductory Thoughts
The Bible repeatedly mentions the bitterness of soul (1 Samuel 1:10; Job 3:20; Job 7:11; Job 10:1; Job 21:25; Isaiah 38:15). Job testified to speaking in the bitterness of his soul—weary of his life (Job 10:1). Hannah “was in bitterness of soul” (1 Samuel 1:10) when she spoke to the Lord concerning her desire to birth a son. Interestingly, the Book of Job contains the majority of references to bitterness of soul. It is hard to imagine any mortal man enduring more afflictions of the soul than Job. He was afflicted so deeply, he cursed the day that he was born (Job 3:1). Eventually, his bitterness of soul won out and caused him to sin against the Lord. Hannah, however, spoke to the Lord in bitterness of soul and God rewarded her for her faithfulness.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Esau cried bitterly when he learned Jacob had stolen his blessing. He hated Jacob. Instead of going to God with his problem, he comforted himself by planning to kill Jacob. Jacob found out and had to leave home. Our bitterness when left to itself will always turn out bad.
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Are you in bitterness of soul? Do you allow that bitterness to drive you to the Lord or draw you away from Him? In the end, Job mishandled his bitterness. What will you do to insure that your bitterness does not blossom into something ugly?
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Bitterness that is given to the Lord can be turned into a blessing (i.e., Hannah). Will you give your bitterness to Him or allow it to grow inside of you causing you to sin against Him?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to identify bitterness in your soul.
- Ask God to give you strength to yield your bitterness to Him.
Song
Does Jesus Care?
