The Desert of Bitterness ~ TESTING
Not lost in the Sinai desert. But still the Israelites found themselves very unhappy. The bitter waters of Marah confronted God's thirsty infant nation.# Freedom was insufficient to also see blessing.
Bitterness is life-sapping. Foul to the body. A deadly pollutant to the soul. It weighs us down like gravity.
Bitterness must be rejected if sweet waters are to be ever found. This was the constant wrestle of Israel - God's chosen people. Likely too for His own today.
A spirit of bitterness is as difficult to shake as a snake with fangs inserted for the kill.
Moses wisely cried out to the Lord.
Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test (Exodus 15:25)
It is at the pool of bitterness that God's life-giving commands are heard. Beside the cooling, even inviting pool of bitterness reclines the choice to obey.
Disobedience delivers death.
When eyes gaze into a pool of bitterness, copy Moses. Cry out to the Lord for correction, for transformation. He will advise.
A smiling face brings joy,
A healthy body holds energy, but
A bitter heart withers the soul.
SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLE ~ 4
The pool of bitterness is first a place of testing. The bitterness must be passed for life to continue well.
SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLE ~ 5
If the thirst for God is not stronger after the rescue than it was in slavery, then the new rescue can only free old habits and sin to be repeated. If I complain in Egypt then it is likely I will grumble too when set free.
Today's Soul Snippet:
Begin each day as you seek to live it - with the Lord.
# Read also the Introduction to The Desert of Bitterness,
The Desert of Bitterness - RESCUE,
The Desert of Bitterness - MULTIPLICATION
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