While living in a foreign land, Naomi suffered the loss of her husband and both her sons. A husband’s affection and protection, children and grandchildren to love, a means of support, and provision for her old age – all gone. For a while Naomi did not feel pleasant, like her name, and asked instead to be called Mara, which means “bitter.” However, a future of loneliness and poverty was not God’s plan for Naomi.

Though embittered, Naomi was faithful to God and sought His provision the right way. Out of tragedy, God’s mercy was shown as He restored joy and provision to Naomi and also to Ruth. Moreover, He demonstrated that He brings people into His family who forsake all so-called gods to follow Him wholeheartedly, as Ruth did. Ruth became part of the lineage of King David and of Jesus himself. 

God chose to share Naomi’s story with all generations after her in Scripture. In circumstances of tragedy, loss, or even disappointment, Naomi’s example is a witness to us of God’s faithfulness. Since we have such witnesses, let us be careful not to let bitterness grow in our hearts. We can move forward a step at a time, putting our future in God’s hands, so that He may be glorified and others blessed.

    

Querido Padre Celestial,

I praise You for Your mercy and for Your provision. Thank You for telling us about Naomi’s example. Thank You that You have a plan for my life too. I pray that You would be honored and others blessed by my life. Lord, melt away bitterness in my heart over events and people. I entrust my future to You. I pray that You would show me how to move forward, not in denial, but in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Identify an area of tragedy, loss, or disappointment in your own life. If there is an aspect of repentance that is needed on your part, take care of that with God (Psalm 51). Following today's prayer, ask further for Jesus to restore to you enjoyment of life and especially the joy of his salvation – and let him work in you.