Getting bitter or better?

Introduction:

Illustration: This missionary and his wife were on there way home from the mission field on this large ship. Also on this same ship was well known dignitary going home as well. When the ship docked the missionary couple watched as the dignitary was greeted with much music and a large group of people. After the commotion of the dignitary the missionary couple walked down the plank, totally unnoticed. The husband said to the wife, "It is not fair that this man gets all the recognition and he has not done anything for the Lord." The wife said to her husband, "But dear we are not home yet"

The question I have for you this morning is are you better or bitter ?

Key Verses: Psalms 73:21-26

"When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You uguide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

What is bitterness?

Bitterness is simply an absence of the betterment we find in praising God. When we focus on what is what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, admirable, upright, and praise-worthy, we can fill our mind with that which makes us better thereby eliminating bitter thoughts. (Phil. 4:8)

1. Asaph was no slouch. He was a successful man of God. He wrote several sacred lyrics for worshipful songs found in 2 Chron 29:30. Not only did Asaph write Psalm 73, but also the next 10 in succession as well as Psa. 50 are all attributed to him. Asaph was a musical man who was known as a choir director so he obviously had ability to help lead in worship music. He was used of God in many ways, but even he struggled with the temptation to give in to bitterness, anger and envy.

2. Asaph was used greatly by God as a prophet as we see in 2 Chron 29:30. We learn about Asaph as a man who was a seer or a visionary for his times. He was also a fruitful man in that his children walked with God. 1 Chron. 25:1 records that four of his sons participated in conducting the chorus that sung at the temple dedication.

3. Try to not just focus on the present, but thank God for the great things He has done for you in the past. Also, be hopeful that He will do greater things through you in the future. Jesus said, "He who believes in me, the works that I do will He do also and greater works than these will He do because I go the Father. You can ask ask anything in my name and I will do it."John 14:12-14

4. Do not personalise your problems, predicaments or the prosperity, peace or pride of the wicked. Know that the Lord will bring vengeance and vindication. The Lord promises that whatever a man sows that will he also reap. Regardless of how great things look for the wicked know that the Lord is the judge, evaluator and accountant of us all.

5. God gave Asaph strength, stability and sustenance because he worshiped even when he struggled. (verses 17-24) When you sense you are struggling with bitterness be sure to take time out to praise God for His prevailing love, His hope, His power, His purpose, His problem-solving abilities and thank Him for allowing you to learn to be content in whatever circumstance you find yourself in. You can do all things through Christ who strengths you. He will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:12-19)

What are the six Biblical rules to be happy?

1. Accept Jesus as your Savior and let Him reign and rule in

your life

2. Free your heart from hatred.

3. Free your mind from worries.

4. Live simply.

5. Give more.

6. Expect less.

7. Avoid murmuring and complaining