Father, minister to our hearts through Your Word. Give us the wisdom to submit to Your Spirit and Word as we read, study, and spend time with You. Amen
Ruth has went through some hard times. Some from life's circumstances and others of her families own decisions, but difficult for sure. So she makes the statement, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, but the Lord has brought me back empty..." Ruth 1:20-21
We too can feel this way at times. Especially when life is difficult. We think the Lord is dealing harshly with us or blame Him for our circumstances. Yet even Naomi's conflicted when she said this earlier when dealing with her daughters. "..May the Lord deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me." Ruth 1:8
She recognized the blessing of the Lord for others but not for herself. We too can have stinking thinking. But the Lord is gracious and good, He wants the best of us. His presence is a blessing and He desires to be near to us as we draw near to Him. Be careful of your thinking even in life's toughest moments. The character of God is unchanging even in difficult times.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.