They left the Red Sea and the lingering melodies of their songs and followed Moses into the desert, where they encountered bitter waters in a place called Marah (which means bitter).
They had been three days without water and when they finally found what they were looking for, it was too bitter to drink.
{When, at last, we find what we were sure we needed, only to discover that it isn’t what it appeared to be, what flows from us becomes bitter as well. But God knew what His people needed so He turned the bitter waters sweet and it’s important that we know that He’s the only one who can do that for us. Turn our bitterness to contentment. Give us peace when we thirst. Lead us out of our wilderness.}
This is what we want, isn’t it? To drink deeply from a place of trusting God. To know that He is good and that He saved us because He is loving, and that He is so very able to lead us to what He has promised us.
We don’t want to be bitter. We don’t want every disappointment to feel as though that’s all we’ll ever know. Like every valley means there will never be another mountain and every year will bring more hope deferred. But many Christians are living bitter lives right now. Some of them walk away, some keep doing the routine of religion while they slowly stop missing Him. Bitter people become hopeless people.
But there is no hope like the hope I know. Because those who hope in Him will never be disappointed, and valleys strengthen me like no mountaintop can and my thirst is meant to drive me to Him so that He can satisfy it.
Whether it shows up the way I want it to nor not, I know He is good. I’ve tasted of it too many times in too many ways to believe otherwise. I’ve learned that there is no place that can bear the weight of my expectations other than Him. No other person, place, or thing can be my hope.
My disappointment can be turned into contentment, my thirst can be satisfied, my pain can find comfort, and bitters waters can be made sweet.
By Him. Only Him.
Karla Jo Wasion 