Minneopa State Park, Mankato, Minnesota.
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they [were] bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? (Exodus 15:23-24, AV)
Just as Israel faced the bitter waters of Marah, we also face bitter waters in the circumstances of life. Hard things—such as broken relationships, betrayal, sickness, loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, personal failure, or troubles in our nation, community, and church—can bring us into sorrow and test our mettle.
But even more of a threat to our spiritual wellbeing is bitterness in our hearts. Israel's problem was not just a mud puddle in the wilderness, it was the attitude of their hearts that was the greatest threat. Likewise, we must beware that we do not allow the bitter circumstances of life cause us to have a deeper problem of bitterness in our souls.
Through Jesus' death on the cross, God has provided forgiveness and given us the pure water of life to flow through our inner being. But if we allow bitterness, anger, and evil speech to consume our being, our waters will be polluted and we will not produce good fruit in our lives. As the scripture says:
Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled; (Hebrews 12:14-15, AV)
With all the wrangling, strife, and anger in society today, we must carefully guard our hearts so that we are not polluted and fail of the grace of God. Bitterness can hinder our faith and our prayer life, and can even cause us to fall away from the Lord. Satan is doing all he can to pollute our wells and destroy our lives. By God's grace, though, we can follow peace with all men, walk in holiness, and keep the pure waters flowing in our lives.
Enjoy this audio message! It may be just what the doctor ordered. No more bitter waters for you!
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