Water Treatment Options

Hard water. If you’re the one responsible for cleaning the sink and faucets, you know all about hard water. The scum is hard to remove and keeping the faucets spot free and sparkling next to impossible. Hard water caused by minerals such as calcium and magnesium takes its toll on water-using appliances and plumbing. Hard water keeps those who sell ‘water conditioners’ in business.

Then there is the problem of iron contamination in water. Most people find the rotten egg smell repulsive. That too can be treated and the problem minimized.

But have you ever tasted extremely bitter water? You’re craving a glass of refreshing cold water to quench your intense thirst. But one gulp and you can’t handle any more. You spit it out. It’s grossly bitter.

The children of Israel had just crossed the Red Sea on their exodus from Egypt. They had been traveling now for three days in the wilderness and their throats were dry. As the saying goes – they were croaking for a drink. Parched throats, dry mouths and thirsty. They scanned the horizons for an oasis. Finally, they see some vegetation. Water! Water! They had reached Marah.

Falling to their knees, some cupped the water into their hands. Maybe others used a travel cup. Perhaps some just stuck their face right into it. Their smiles of relief turn instantly to frowns of dismay and disappointment. The water was gross. Bitter as all get out. Not fit to drink. And the millions weren’t happy. Yes millions and that’s quite a crowd to be upset and super thirsty. They complained loudly.

“…and the LORD shewed him a tree,
which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet…”
(Exodus 15:25)

Have you been drinking bitter water lately? Has the spring of water that once refreshed you and soothed your thirst – has it turned bitter? When you try to feed your soul on Christ are the sweet thoughts you once enjoyed shoved out of your mind by those pushy, aggressive bitter thoughts? Are the bitter waters in your life depriving you of a refreshing drink?

Bitterness untreated will wreck your Christian life. You can not progress as a believer and have bitterness lurking in the secret chambers of your heart. It’s a monster killer. Lethal poison. Regardless of what or who caused it in the first place – you are now responsible for letting it take root in your heart. Even if the external circumstances do not change, even if they worsen, you yourself must deal with your bitterness.

Bitterness does not go away itself and time won’t kill it either. At Marah (bitter waters) the Lord shewed Moses a tree. That tree submerged in the water solved the problem. The bitter waters became sweet. Can you think of a tree that could sweeten your thoughts and melt your eyes to tears and re-condition your heart?

Jesus, whom they slew and hanged on a tree. (Acts 5:30) Have you brought Calvary’s tree into the equation of your life?

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree…”

1Peter 2:24

Confess your bitterness. Dump it ALL out before the Lord. Don’t drink bitter waters anymore. Leave those issues with Him and Him alone. Start enjoying Christ again. It’s been too long. Bring the tree into the waters of your life and you will discover a sweet oasis that will quench your every thirst.

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.

Warmly in Christ

Peter Ramsay