At the start of the book of Ruth, we learn about bread, famine, and the city of Bethlehem, which means “the house of bread.” In chapter one, Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth journeyed from Moab to Bethlehem. When they arrived, the local women were excited and wondered if Naomi was the same woman who left ten years earlier. Naomi left as a married woman with two sons but returned as a widow with Ruth, a foreigner, accompanying her. When asked about her identity, Naomi responded sharply, insisting that she is called by a name that means “bitter.”
It is interesting to note that “Mara” was the place of grumbling in Exodus 15:22-24. In this passage, Naomi mirrors the heart of her ancestors and grows bitter about her circumstances. However, scripture does not hold her accountable for her actions, and she directs her anger towards God. Naomi remains focused on her situation, failing to recognize the grace of God in her life. However, the chapter concludes with the barley harvest, a clear sign of God’s intervention and provision. This transformation from bitterness to provision is a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives.
It is easy for all of us to dwell on what we lack rather than the goodness of God. Bitterness often stems from our reasoning through circumstances; Christians are not exempt from this. Bitterness results from anger transitioning from an experience to a belief, with its effects simmering and persistent. Bitter individuals bear the same burdens as angry ones, but to a greater degree (Heb. 12:15). If we are truthful, there are moments when we feel a sense of emptiness. We may question where God is and what He is doing, but God does not owe us answers to our queries. He is actively present even in the mundane days of life, and in these everyday rhythms, He most frequently works. By shifting our focus to the goodness of God, we can counteract bitterness and emptiness and cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment.
Let us find solace in the knowledge that God has worked in the past, is working in the present, and will work in the future. Our struggles should not lead us to blind bitterness and resentment but to a more profound love and understanding of Christ as we partake in the fellowship of His suffering. As Christians, we can fix our gaze on the cross, knowing that Jesus Christ will never abandon us (Heb. 13:5). We have a reason to rejoice, for we have hope in His constant presence and work in our lives.
As we reflect on the story of Naomi and Ruth, let us take a moment to examine our hearts. Are we dwelling on what we lack, or are we focusing on the goodness of God? Are we allowing bitterness to take root in our hearts or cultivating a spirit of gratitude and contentment? Let us fix our gaze on the cross of Jesus Christ, knowing that He is with us in every circumstance. May we find solace in His constant presence and work in our lives, and may we rejoice in our hope in Him.
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.” – Rom. 12:12
*Sources listed in the last post of the series.
Debbie Swindell 