I had a situation a number of years ago where I was very frustrated and held resentment in my heart about a situation. I kept asking God why? After struggling for about a year with this resentment, the Lord directed me to the story of Lazarus in John 11, where Jesus told his disciples, “This illness (situation) is not to end in death, but to promote the glory of God, in order that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”

Then I asked God, “How are You going to be glorified through this situation”? He showed me his glory with the peace and contentment He gave me when I finally gave my resentment to him and forgave those involved in the situation.

What are you struggling with today? Are you harboring resentment in your heart? I recently talked with a grandparent who had resentment toward one of her children that was tearing up her heart because she couldn’t see her grandchildren. When we hold resentment in our hearts, we are hurting ourselves emotionally and eventually physically. Resentment brings anger, bitterness, division and God does not want to share our heart with resentment.

If you have resentment in your heart toward your children, grandchildren or anyone, tell God how you feel, and ask Him to forgive you. (I John 1:9) Ask Him to replace your resentment with peace and love for that person. Don’t let the enemy distract you from experiencing the joy of the Lord in your heart.

© Lillian Penner