April 16 – Ruth 1:19-22

April 16 – Ruth 1:19-22

19 So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” 20 She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”

22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.

 

Naomi is so sorrowful and bitter. She has been emptied of everything, or so she thinks. As the story continues to unfold, we see this is not true. A new beginning is about to be unfolded and God has great plans for Naomi and Ruth.

Are we moving in despair this day? Are we bitter and saddened for events that we have experienced? May God, the lifter of our heads, remind you that He has not finished your story. Follow Him in faith as He leads you.

 

Heavenly Father, there are times I do feel emptied of happiness and just feel stress and sometimes bitterness for how life is treating me.  I know that my joy is in You, and joy and happiness aren’t the same.  Help me lean into You on those days all I feel is emptiness, bitterness and frustration.  Help me remember my joy is because You are my God and You made a way by sending Jesus to be Savior and King.  That alone is a reason to be filled with joy.  Help me remember You have a plan and it isn’t just filled with happiness and good times.  It can have bumps on the way.  I know I have never been promised an easy life, but with You to lean into I can have joy that goes beyond any circumstance. 

In Jesus name,

Amen!

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