Hope Deferred

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1,2

Verses 4:31,32 leads into this scripture and says:

All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

In other words forgive one another. I don't know that I have discussed bitterness and think this is a good opportunity. Bitterness is a deep problem. Anger, resentment and conflict not resolved causes a heart to sour. Bitterness is referred to as having a root. We are told in scripture to dig it out. Hebrews 12:14,15

You know you yourself are dealing with bitterness when talking about another person who has disappointed and hurt you and you taste bitterness on you tongue.

Hurts and disappointments are a part of life, I have had my share. How about you? However by choosing to look for the good we change our confession and refusal to speak ill of another helps us avoid that nasty spirit.

People don't easily recognise they are bitter. Some are bitter towards God for not being healed, for a loved one dying and the list goes on. I have seen many older people who have a bitter spirit than younger.

Scripture says: hope deferred makes the heart sick. Proverbs 13:12. Why is hope deferred? Most often is a failure to understand faith and the step we must take into freedom. Freedom is out right in Christ. What it looks like for you is different to me. However I must press on to the prize that awaits me. My constant pressing in and pressing on takes me higher into God and His provision. Ues there are still unanswered prayers in my heart but I have to trust my God who answers all prayers and all hopes and provides for all needs

Take a new approach, seek God for a renewed mind and look at Him and not your circumstances. Amen!