Bitter circumstances do not determine the outcome. Our response, by the grace of God can produce the best results.
In scripture, David was of little value or consideration to his father compared to his brothers. He was ridiculed, belittled, and dismissed by his brothers. He became the most hated man of the King and an outlaw on the run.
He even was considered crazy by Achich, King of Gath.
He was mocked and shamed by his wife.
No one living in those moments would predict that David would become one of the most formative characters of Judaism and Christianity.
David had his flaws and failures that undermined his life. And yet, Jesus the Son of God, manifested in the flesh, was called “The son of David.”
What does that mean to us? Everything can be against us, yet our response to all of these things can cause the most bitter things to become sweet. God can take our response, add grace to the mix, and make the low places high. He can transform our ashes and make them beautiful. He can give us the Oil of Joy for all reasons we can mourn.
What is this distinction? It’s not based solely on what God offers or can do. It is based on how we respond to bitter, sad, hard, disappointing, and tragic circumstances.
We live in a world of shattered dreams, wounded hearts, and broken toys.
However, a beautiful opportunity is given to all of us.
David shows us the way. When humility, hunger, and hope are rooted, resting in the God of our salvation.
Bitterwaters.
Jesus came to make them sweet. It’s not a guarantee. I can not say Jesus will make them sweet. I can say Jesus can make bitterwaters sweet. It’s not based on what Jesus can do, because Jesus can do anything.
However, if we tap into the best possible outcomes, it will rest in our ability to cry unto the Lord.
Watclisten/ feel what David says in Psalms 40.
This chapter is from David who was in a horrible pit, even miry clay.
”I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”
Watch what happens. “He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”
That is quite a praise report. However, it does not stop there.
“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.”
It does not stop there.
Trouble in one season leads to multiple seasons of revelation, appreciation, and praise that can be instructive to others.
David learned something because of the horrible pit and miry clay.
Let me tell you something.
The God that was with you before the pit will be with you in the pit.
He will bring you up out of the pit.
He will give you a song because of the Pit!
It does not stop there.
God will show you something about you in the pit.
What does he show you? I need Jesus.
God will show you something about him in the pit.
I got you.
God will bring you up out of that horrible pit, out of the miry clay!
Listen to the observations and revelations from a man who was in the Pit.
“Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.”
“ Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
His commitment grows,
“ I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.”
It does not stop there!
“I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.”
All of these things David learns and proclaims to us is because of one thing.
The Pit.
A perspective with a specific benefit. Learning to look up.
Looking up!
In Him, By Him, Through Him,
Scott A. Phillips