Blessings Over Bitterness

Naomi and her husband, Elimelech, went to Moab (v. 1), with their two sons to escape the famine in the land of Bethlehemjudah. While she was there, her two sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. But then tragedy struck when her husband died (v. 3), followed by the death of her two sons (v. 5). After the famine broke, Naomi decided to return to Judah (v. 7), “but Ruth clave unto her” (v. 14). Upon their arrival, Naomi was still carrying the bitterness of her loss that she wanted the people to call her “Mara!” Folks, we may change jobs, relocate, or even have a plastic surgeon change our faces.

 But we all need to realize that “any root of bitterness” (Heb 12:15), will go with us. Because that root sprung up from our heart (Jer 17:9). Naomi’s bitterness went with her. When Ruth convinced Naomi that she would follow her wherever she goes and that her God would be Ruth’s God (v. 16), Naomi neither responded nor rejoiced at her wonderful testimony (v. 18). Often, when loved ones try to console you because you are hurting (Gal 6:2), your bitterness will tend to drive them away! Naomi seemed to put the blame on God; for bringing her home empty, for testifying against her, and for afflicting her (v. 21). She was like Adam and Eve who played the blame game after they sinned against God (Gen 3:12).

Unless they would humbly admit the root cause of the problem (Jms 4:10), people who are bitter will often get mad at God (Hab 1:2)! Naomi complained about being empty. But in reality, she came back with Ruth who was better to her “than seven sons” (Ruth 4:15)! When we focus on the negative things instead of the positive, we will miss out on God’s goodness (Ps 25:8). But when we count His blessings (Ps 115:12), and name them one by one, then it will surprise us what the Lord has done! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera