Naomi and her husband, Elimelech, had two grown sons, Mahlon and Chilion, and lived in Bethlehem many centuries ago. Because of a severe famine in Judah, this family migrated to Moab on the east side of the Dead Sea. While there, Elimelech died and Mahlobn 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, the Jews 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.
Orpah kissed Naomi goodbye, but Ruth clung to her mother-in-law. “Wherever you go, I will go. Your people shall be my people and your God my God.” Even though Ruth loved Naomi with a loyal love, Naomi still felt bitter, abandoned by God and depressed.
When they arrived back 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. 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 life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us. Sometimes these dark moments last days, weeks, months or even years. Sometimes 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. We must not allow ourselves to blame God for our dark moments.” Stanley gives three survival tactics when in the dark moments of life: “TRUST God. He knows what He’s doing. PRAY, READ and THINK SCRIPTURE. 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, circumstantial depression, serious illness, chronic physical or emotional pain, and perhaps you think God’s hand is against you. Be assured – God is faithful 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 she married. Boaz showed extraordinary concern for Ruth’s provision and protection which he also extended to Naomi. Ruth had a son who would become the great-grandfather of King David and later of the promised Messiah. Ruth, a Moabite, is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Imagine that!
God is faithful, and His grand purpose for you and for me is beyond our wildest imagination.