There are many things that I love about the woods! I love the feeling of walking through the trees and hearing birds singing or looking at all the different types of forest creatures and vegetation. One thing that comes to my mind when I think about these adventures is a peaceful feeling. But, there is always something I must be aware of when entering the woods in the summertime: poison ivy! Just the word makes my skin itch.
Most of my family is highly allergic to the irritating adversary. If we just brush up against it accidentally, we can be covered in oozing, itchy blisters for days. For this reason, we must always take notice when we are hiking and keep ourselves aware.
This reminds me of spiritual applications to “life’s poisons.” Maybe it has been that some unforeseen circumstance has left you agitated and irritated. It could have been at the hands of someone close to you or a complete stranger. So, how should we respond? In Hebrews 12:14-15, God’s Word says this:
“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness – without it, no one will see the LORD. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it defiling many.”
These scriptures remind me how easily life’s circumstances can take up a root of bitterness. I can think of situations where people have let this take place, myself included, and instead of pursuing peace -they choose to take matters into their own hands and do not allow the grace of God to flow freely in their response.
Now I understand. Grace is a very difficult thing to show, especially when this world encourages us to seek revenge and handle things our way. But, that is not God’s way. I have seen situations where people have become bitter instead of allowing God to work and make it better. Galatians 5:16-17 says:
“I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other so that you don’t do what you want.”
Staying connected with the Holy Spirit’s guidance helps us to wage against the flesh and the things that can creep in and cause bitterness. When we pursue peace and trust God to work things out, He will work in only a way He can. Allowing Him to fully handle these situations helps us to no longer disobey His instructions, and through this, we find true relief.
Look, I know this is not an easy thing to do. But, with His help and through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can overcome the weeds of life that have crept in to choke out our joy. When we turn to Christ to handle things, we can find true healing that can only come through Him and His mighty power.
My prayer is this, if you are in a place of bitterness, that you would allow Jesus to bind up your wounds and heal you as only He can.
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
Amanda Patterson
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#amandapattersonblogs
