Bitter or Better

Wow…life is crazy sometimes.  We just got back from small group, which we’ve been meeting for almost a year now, and it is amazing at the stuff that happens to people.  Whether it is a sick family member, sudden job issues, or uncertainty about the future, there are those things that happen in life that you can not explain in the moment.  We ask why.  We question God.  We feel alone.  And all of this is normal and I’d add, it okay.

The question is not whether you question why things happen, the question is, during the tough and uncertain times, does it make you bitter or better?  A great principle I’ve learned (but seldom apply) is that in every situation, you have the opportunity to learn something new, or reinforce something old.  In times of uncertainty, or even times of perfect clarity, God will continue to teach us, if we remain open to learning.

So, it’s okay to question when uncertain things happen.  If you think its “less spiritual” or “shows a lack of faith” or any other cheesy quotation stuff, then don’t read the Psalms, you’ll be upset. Psalm 143 is an amazing look into David’s heart as he is troubled at his current situation.  David questions and begs God for answers.  He admits he does not know which way to go, but this does not make him bitter.  It forces him to place his trust  [verse 8]  in God, which in the end will only make him better.