Oh God, why did you take my loved ones? Why? Why? Why?
“Why?” may be the most frequently asked question when we are distressed. We desperately cry out to God, hoping to receive an answer. As we process our grief and pain, we may become angry and bitter. In the book of Ruth, this was Naomi’s response to the disaster that took place in her family. However, as God worked through the circumstances of Naomi’s life, her despair was transformed to delight.
Due to a severe famine in their homeland of Bethlehem, Elimelech moved his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion to Moab. Sometime afterwards, Naomi encountered disaster when Elimelech died. Naomi decided to remain in Moab with her sons, who married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. Disaster struck again. Both sons died and there are now three widows.
As a widow with no sons to provide for her, Ruth 1:20-21 records the change in Naomi’s perspective. She no longer embraced her name, which means pleasant, but took on the new identity as Mara, which means bitterness. She had no hope for the future and she blamed God.
How do you respond when it appears that you have lost everything? Do you become angry with God? Do you ask, like David in Psalm 13:1, “how long will you forget me?” How do you move forward in the midst of loss?
You can find hope because Naomi’s story did not end in grief and bitterness. God is good, faithful and his lovingkindness is better than life. In the midst of Naomi’s despair, God had the plan for her deliverance. He guided her back to Bethlehem, not empty and alone, as she felt, but with Ruth, her daughter-in-law, who would be the means to new life. Sometimes we are so focused on our dilemma and discouraging situation, that we miss God’s plan.
As Naomi’s focus changed to Ruth’s well-being, she moved from the agony of her losses to securing a favorable future for Ruth. God performed the unexpected through Ruth’s eventual marriage to Naomi’s kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. Naomi found new joy when she held her grandson, Obed, in her arms. God worked through people and events to deliver Naomi from deep depression.
Can you relate to Naomi’s anger? What or who have you lost? Are you bitter, feeling hopeless and helpless? There is no situation that is too difficult for God.
God is always working on our behalf - redemption and restoration; deliverance and delight. Naomi’s story started with lament and bitterness but it ended with exceedingly great joy. In Ruth 4:14-15, the women rejoiced with Naomi. When we are in the midst of our story, it might be impossible to understand what God is doing, but we must remind ourselves that he is faithful.
Dear Father, please help me to know that you have not forgotten me. There is trouble on every side and sometimes I think that you do not care. I have asked why many times and yet you do not answer. Your word declares your faithfulness. Help me to experience your transforming power in my circumstances. In the name of Jesus I pray Amen.
Throughout this day: Remember that although we may feel abandoned during hardships, God is still working. We can help and encourage others even in the midst of our crippling grief. Perseverance while navigating difficult circumstances can help to transform our despair to delight.
Photo Credit: Yulia