Bitter Mercies

Any loss that we experience can be hard and full of bitterness, brackish water that we have to drink, but in the midst of that loss, that bitterness, God provides mercy:

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."
~ Phillipians 4:7-8

The mercy is that loss causes us to press even closer to Jesus, finding satisfaction and sufficiency in Him and Him alone. Yes, loss is bitter, but it is also merciful, for in it we might gain Christ.

"Behold the mercy of our King!
"Who takes from lose its bitter sting;
"Who, by His blood and often ours,
"Brings triumph over hostile powers;
"Who paints with crimson, earth and soul
"Until the bloody work is whole.
"When God creates a humbled hush,
"And makes Leviathan His brush,
"What we have lost, He will restore,
"That, and Himself, forevermore.
"When God is finished with His art,
"The quiet worship of our heart,
"It won't be long before the rod
"Becomes the tender kiss of God."
~ John Piper.