“…and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually – regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion] even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20 (AMP)
The Bible brings to our attention a woman named Naomi in the book of Ruth. She played a very significant role in the life of her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Naomi’s name is derived from a Hebrew word meaning “pleasant” or “delightful.” Naomi served not only as Ruth’s mother-in-law but also as a mentor, adviser, and matriarch.
Aĺthough she was a faithful follower of the Lord, she experienced great adversity:
- She and her family suffered the effects of famine and were displaced from their home.
- She lost her husband and her two sons.
It seemed like God had forsaken her. However, God showed He was concerned for her by providing supporters and destiny helpers in her time of need (Ruth 1:16; 2:20).
Like Naomi, you may be a faithful and loyal believer, you love God with all your heart, yet you are experiencing great trials; this does not mean that God has forsaken you or is punishing you. Know today that our loving God is causing all things to work for your good in your troubling time (Romans 8:28). Be encouraged, God will bring good out of all your afflictions.
Naomi had endured so much that she believed she no longer had God’s favour. Upon returning to Bethlehem, she told her friends, “…Do not call me Naomi (sweetness), call me Mara” (bitter)’ (Ruth 1:20). She mentioned that she went out full, but the Lord brought her home again empty. Sometimes, through our pain, we could become bitter and speak negatively. Speaking negatively based on our emotions is unfruitful. Not all adversity or hardship is the result of God’s displeasure with us because satan and even our ordinary human experiences will at times bring difficulties and troubles on us, irrespective of our dedication to the Lord.
Naomi’s life, however, showed God’s providence in dire circumstances. She transitioned from despair to hope. She shifted from “pleasant” to “bitter,” and through her faithfulness, came out rejoicing. Suffering does not have the final word. We must trust in God’s promises. Through Naomi’s experiences, we can see that our God is able to restore and bless even when our circumstances seem hopeless.
Naomi’s life is an example of faith, resilience, and transformation. Though filled with grief, she allowed God to turn tragedy to triumph. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that God makes all things beautiful in their time. Even in the midst of difficulties and challenges of life, God has a purpose for everything, and things will eventually align and become beautiful in His perfect time.
We see God’s providence through Naomi’s life. Her experiences show that God restores and blesses. Her journey encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty — He is! Note also that God’s plan can bring unimaginable blessings through ordinary, faithful lives. Naomi is an excellent example of how the lives of faithful, persevering believers can impact future generations. Do not give up! God can also turn around your situation and make it beautiful.
Prayer
Sovereign God, I praise and thank You today. You are the ruler of everything, and today, I’m asking You to rule and reign in my situation. Today, I lay aside bitterness. Help me so that I may not allow pain, anger, and disappointment to grow and fester in me. Father, as I present my life to You today, I pray for Your healing. I thank You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Psalm 34:19; Ephesians 4:31
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 68:21-27; John 19:1-27; 1 Samuel 26; 1 Samuel 27; 1 Samuel 28