Resentment Starts as a Seed

This morning I was thinking back about some of my events from a few days ago.

When I realized what I was doing, I said, “Marilyn, why are you going back to Monday? It is in your past.”

Right. Why was I rehearsing something that had already taken place? It was over and done. There was no need to bring it back up.

I unconsciously went back in my mind. That is what happens when a seed of resentment is dropped into our heart. It already happened, but we choose to mull it over in our mind until we own it. That seed will then become a root of bitterness if we don’t resolve it.

We have no reason to resent anything. If God allowed it, then his purpose is stamped on it.

Resentment is a fleshly indulgence. We have the power from the Holy Spirit within us to resist it. The more we walk in the Spirit, the more quickly we will recognize when something hidden in our hidden flesh rises up.

Self-protection is a lie. We have a Defender. He is the only One who has the ability. David got it right. Psalm 18:1-2 was his declaration. It says, “I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Obedience leads to increased discernment. We cannot hear his whispered words when we are in sin. As we walk in the Holy Spirit, our flesh is starved and weakened. When we walk in our flesh, our spirit is starved and therefore weakened. Which one are you feeding?

Psalm 81:13, 16 says, “Oh, that my people would listen to me… he would have fed them also with the finest of wheat; and with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you.” Our flesh will never be satisfied.

It is always looking for ways to express itself through taking up offenses, allowing the seed of resentment to flourish into full blown bitterness, and luring us to walk in our own strength.

One who dwells securely under the shadow of the Almighty has stepped aside from the temptation to harbor resentment. Psalm 91:2 says, “I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in him I will trust.”

Jeremiah 31:14 says, “I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, says the Lord.”

Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in him!”

Several of the above verses bear out the truth that when we are trusting the Lord and not ourselves, we will not fall prey to satan’s effective weapon called resentment. Remember, it all starts with one thought that we accepted and entertained.

Lord God, help me to trust in you and to live by your Spirit. I want to follow you and I don't want to allow resentment to take root in my heart. Forgive me, God. I need you. Change me so I can taste and see that you are good. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Challenge: Offer to the Lord all the things of the past that you are holding onto. Do you believe that he can redeem and restore you from that hurt and pain? Invite God to do that today.

Song of Encouragement: Here's My Heart by Casting Crowns

^{This is an excerpt that was adapted from Overcoming Resentment and republished with permission from the author.}