Tag: Naomi

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Ruth Devotionals

But the truth is…

Naomi

Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn his kindness to the living and to the dead.” (Ruth 2:20, NASB 95)

It’s amazing the difference a chapter can make.

In chapter 1, Naomi was bitter against God saying that he had turned against her. (Ruth 1:13, 20-21)

But now she realizes the truth: despite all the evil in her life, God had never abandoned her. Rather, he still deeply loved her.

Maybe you are feeling like Naomi, caught in the pain cycle of your grief.

You feel God like has turned against you.

You feel like he has abandoned you.

But the truth is, he’s good and he loves you.

And if instead of running from him, you’ll make him your refuge, coming under his wings (12), you will eventually come to see that.

Categories
Ruth Devotionals

God is good?

Naomi

“Don’t call me Naomi (meaning “pleasant”).

Call me Mara (meaning “bitter”),” she answered, “for the Almighty has made me very bitter.

I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty.

Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has opposed me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?” (Ruth 1:20-21)

I’m thinking of someone right now going through the exact same feelings that Naomi had.

Sometimes it’s hard to see God’s goodness in our lives.

And yet, as I was praying for this person, I got a text from another friend this morning.

He lost his job late last year, and this year has been a real struggle for him on a lot of levels.

Honestly, it got a little discouraging for me praying for him at times as there seemed to be no quick answers.

But this morning he told me he just got rehired by his company.

And God reminded me again that yes, he is good.

So that’s what I’m holding on to as I pray for this other person who is still struggling now. And I’m praying that she will ultimately come to see God’s goodness in all this too.

Categories
Ruth Devotionals

A prayer in time of famine

Lord, as in the time of the judges, we live in a land of famine. People are starving spiritually.

There are so many like Naomi who feel bitter. Who feel that your hand has turned against them. That you have opposed and afflicted them.

My Shepherd, visit your people. Give to them your Bread of Life. Show your kindness to them. In your grace, save them. Grant them rest, Lord, not in the things of this world, but in you.

And as you used Ruth to show grace and mercy to Naomi, use me to touch those hurting around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.