Naomi and her husband, Elimelech, had two grown sons, Mahlon and Chilion, and lived in Bethlehem many centuries ago. Because of a famine in Judah, Elimelech took his family and migrated to Moab on the east side of the Dead Sea which is now west-central Jordan. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, the nephew of Abraham, a Jew, and the two peoples were frequently in conflict. While in Moab, Ekimelech died and Mahlon and Chilion married two Moabite women – Ruth and Orpah respectively.
After ten years, Naomi’s two sons died. Naomi heard the famine had ended, and decided to return to her people in Bethlehem. Her two daughters-in-law pleaded to go with, but Naomi urged them to turn back saying, “It grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.” She was bitter that she was without husband and sons and attributed her circumstances to God’s discipline. The three women wept together.
But then, Orpah kissed Naomi goodbye, while Ruth clung to her mother-in-law. “Wherever you go, I will go,” Ruth said. “Your people shall be my people and your God my God.” Even though Ruth loved Naomi with a loyal love, Naomi still felt bitter, depressed, abandoned by God.
When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, the women of the town were excited to see Naomi and to meet Ruth.
“Is this Naomi?” they exclaimed. “Do not call me Naomi. Call me Mara for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me,” Naomi said. “I have no husband and no sons. My daughter-in-law alone has returned with me.”
Charles Stanley once said in a sermon, “Dark moments of our lives will last only as long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us and through us. Sometimes these dark moments last days, weeks, months, or even years. At times, we encounter dark moments by our own doing. Sometimes not. But, remember, God’s ultimate purpose for each of us is to be conformed to the likeness of Christ Jesus.”
Is God’s purpose for you of any less importance than it was for Naomi?
Stanley continued, “Rebellion only lengthens the season of dark moments.” Stanley gives three survival tactics when in the dark moments of life: “Trust God. He knows what He is doing. Pray, Read and Think scripture; and Spend as much time with God as you do under the influence of the world.”
Naomi blamed God for her circumstances. Maybe you are experiencing dark moments in your life that seem unending – anxiety, anger, frustration, circumstantial depression, serious illness, chronic physical or emotional pain, and perhaps you think God’s hand is against you? Be assured, God is faithful to His perfect character even when we blame Him for our adverse situations.
God demonstrated His faithfulness to His people when He provided Ruth with work in the field of a wealthy man whom, in due time, she married. Boaz showed extraordinary concern for Ruth’s provision and protection which he also extended to Naomi. When Ruth and Boaz had a son , Naomi held the baby close to her heart and whisperd, “I am Naomi, your grandmother. The lord has restored my joy.” Obed would become the grandfather of King David and Ruth was King David’s great-grandmother.
Ruth, a Moabite, listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Messiah! Imagine that! That is symbolic of God’s love for all peoples of the world.
God is faithful! His grand purpose for you and for me is beyond our wildest imagination. We may not see ourselves in fulfillment of His purpose and His plan – especially in the dark moments. But then again, we might.