Day 21: The Bitter Heart

Scripture Focus: James 1
“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” —Hebrews 12:15, NASB

“. . . [women were] encouraged to share personal hurt and anger. As more and more women in the group ‘spoke bitterness,’ they were led to see that the source of their discontent commonly stemmed from their relationship or interaction with the men in their lives, be it fathers, employers, colleagues, spouses, teachers or other men. Bitterness grew as the participants concluded that men were responsible for women’s unhappiness.” —Mary Kassian

Even if we wanted to, there’s no way we can turn back the clock and return to the mid 1960s—to a time before the early feminists set out to foment a spirit of discontent and bitterness among women. But if we could, we might find that women were struggling with an identity crisis, not primarily because of men, but because of the spiritually dry condition of the church and the moral decline in our nation.

It had been approximately a hundred years since we had experienced the last great spiritual awakening in our nation. Many churches had embraced liberal and man-centered theological views and were being influenced by the militant voices of the culture. Overall, the church had grown weak and ineffective, rather than being salt and light.

Not only was the spiritual condition of the church a factor in women’s struggle, but also the changes that had taken place within the family unit were a contributing factor. Before the Industrial Revolution, many women and families worked alongside the husband and father as a family unit. Whether the family income was produced through farming, a workshop, or a front-room store, it was an integrated family enterprise.

The Industrial Revolution radically altered family dynamics by sending fathers out to work in factories while mothers and children remained at home. With this division came many losses: time together as a family, a strong leadership role from fathers, active family involvement in accomplishing common goals and tasks, daily interaction and communication, the fellowship and fulfillment that come from teamwork.

Previous to industrialization, women had partnered with their husbands in a cooperative effort. As co-regent over creation, in this way women experienced the satisfaction of living out their identity and fulfilling a valuable role in a tangible way as “helpers” to their mate.

Although the church and culture provided fertile soil for bitterness to be spring up in women’s hearts, the choice to respond to difficult circumstances with joyful trust is still our own responsibility. What a different outcome we might have seen if, rather than “speak bitterness” meetings, women had held gratitude sessions!

Take Time to Reflect
Can you recognize the effects of bitterness in families today? Do you struggle with bitterness because of your life circumstances? Do you feel that you deserve better than the life you have? Prayerfully read James 1. How are we instructed to respond to trials? What does this chapter have to say about humility?

We are halfway through our 40-day journey—are you allowing God to prepare your heart?

True Woman Wyoming Prayer Focus
Pray for each speaker and participant as they prepare their messages for the True Woman Wyoming conference. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s anointing and empowerment as they speak. Pray that they will connect with women’s hearts and minds.

Pray for women who have allowed a root of bitterness to spring up in their hearts. Pray for a spirit of forgiveness to be released throughout the weekend.