PSALM 119:65–72
While some people enjoy sweet chocolate, others prefer bitter chocolate. Chocolate was a popular beverage among the ancient Mayans of Central America, who flavoured it with chilli peppers. This so-called “bitter water” appealed to them. It was brought to Spain many years later, but the Spanish liked chocolate sweet, so they added honey and sugar to balance out its inherent bitterness.
Like chocolate, days can be bitter or sweet. Brother Lawrence wrote that understanding God’s love helps us accept both sweet and bitter experiences. This can be difficult.
Bitter chocolate was highly prized by the Mayans for its therapeutic and restorative qualities. Even bad days have some worth. They help us become more reliant on God and help us recognise our shortcomings. “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes,” the psalmist wrote (v. 71). Reassured of God’s goodness, let us enjoy life today in all its varieties.
🙏 Father, help Your servants to see Your goodness even in times of trouble. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
📷: amirali mirhashemian
