A Poisoned Heart

February 16, 2009 - This morning God woke me up at 4:30am. I really wanted to go back to sleep, but I couldn’t, so I got up, got my Bible, made coffee, and sat down to read. How did I know that today was the day that God was going to break me of the bitterness that has plagued me for over nine years? God took me back to a place where I have allowed hurt to turn my life down a path I never intended to follow. He showed me how I took something personally, that wasn’t really about me at all. Today, God allowed me to see from HIS perspective and, like Paul, it was almost as if scales fell from my eyes. I feel relief washing over me and this terrible burden I have been carrying of unforgiveness is gone. I am ready now to move forward and I have a genuine excitement for what lies ahead.

When I think of poison, I often see images in my mind of Nazi spies biting down on hidden cyanide capsules. Thank goodness that’s not the way bitterness works in our lives, but its slow and steady takeover of our thoughts and attitudes can be just as deadly. We have to remember that Satan’s plan is to isolate us. He knows that relationships – friends, family, and community – provide the best defensive shield we have against his personal attacks. Bitterness sneaks in so easily, and before we know it, we no longer see or think clearly.

Ask God to reveal where you have allowed bitterness to enter in and let him walk you through the healing process. It’s necessary, and it’s worth it!