Read the account of Ruth today. You’ll be better for it.
You know the account…after losing her husband and both sons Naomi heads back home with her faithful daughter-in-law Ruth. She is greeted by the women of her hometown and tells them how bitter her life has been and then she literally renames herself: “Bitter.”
Consider this…
Naomi has yet to acknowledge what God has actually done.
Her husband abandoned God and God’s people, her sons married pagans, and she is now returning widowed and childless – but…She. Is. Returning!
Instead of wanting to be called “bitter” why not be called “God is providing for me in spite of myself because I have this wonderful daughter-in-law and I’m home in the place where God can surely bless me because I’m willing to repent and serve Him.”
Ok, maybe that’s kind of long, I admit, but I’m sure there’s a Hebrew word that she could have chosen! But no. Naomi’s heart is still far from God. She is home in body only – not in heart. What about you?
Is it possible that in some way you may be heading back to a Moab in your life? Or are you embracing Bethlehem where God’s promises lie?
Is your life being defined by a willingness to totally and completely cling to God and His ways even if you honestly have no idea what is on the road ahead? Or are you defined by your loss and grief and your need for the familiar ways from your past? Is it?
Pray.
Ask God to search your heart and reveal to you any tendency you may have to deny Him and avoid the road ahead He may have for you.
Read the account of Ruth. It’s a short book and will take only a few minutes of your time. While you read, I’m praying that you will want to be defined by your desire to dwell in the house of the Lord and feast on His bread of life…no matter the cost.
Chapter one concludes with words of “emptiness”, “affliction”, “misfortune” and “bitterness.” Not a very happy scene. And yet, we see God moving, hearts turning, and hope is around the corner.
Whatever you’re going through in your life today, I pray that you’ll never forget that God is at work.
God is moving in your life and in the lives of your loved ones.
Trust him in that today. Pray that God would continue to work in your heart to help you keep your eyes on Him and grow as a woman who is truly faithful and fearless.
As always, I write to encourage. I write because I have been encouraged. God’s Word does that; my fellowship with godly friends does that. This blog and my Dwelling Richly Bible study exist to encourage others to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. If you’re encouraged today, please share this with someone you care about. Thank you for reading.
Listen to the full message “Bitter, Blessed, or Both” on the Dwelling Richly podcast.
~Jennifer
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