So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves. Exodus 1:13-14 ESV
People and circumstances can make your life bitter, but it can not make your heart bitter without your permission. Let me explain this further. In these passages of Scripture, the generations after Joseph did not deserve this treatment. Without Joseph, Egypt would not have survived the seven years of famine. Without God placing Joseph in power, Egypt would not have amassed the wealth, livestock, property/land, slaves they have acquired during his tenure as Egypt's 2nd in command, now the descendants of Joseph are at the bitter end of life. They were enslaved. And the word used was very specific, the Egyptians ruthlessly made them work as slaves and made their lives bitter with hard service. Their lives were bitter, but does that automatically make their hearts bitter? Proverbs says guard your hearts for it is the wellspring of life. In the middle of a bitter life, you may still have a right heart when you know how to deal with it. Job was one example, Paul was an example, the Hebrew believers were great examples. You and I do have a choice. We will not allow Bitterness to grow on the inside of us. We will believe God's character and trust His heart when we don't see His hands on things happening around us. Don't let your situation dictate the condition of your heart 17 January
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