Learning Trust through Bitter Moments: A Closer Look at the Life of Naomi

Written by, Laura Meneffee

I have come to be very fond of the story of Ruth. For years, the Lord has put it in front of me, allowing me to wrestle through every little part. This morning though, I saw a side that I hadn't seen before. I saw the clear statements from Naomi regarding bitterness.

“The almighty has made my life very bitter.”
“The Lord has afflicted me.”
“The almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”    (Ruth 1:21)

I had never thought of Naomi as a bitter woman and have never noticed her described that way but in this passage, I couldn't help but hear evidence that she was bitter at this time in her life. After all, Naomi was hurt by her situation and she acknowledged that God, in his sovereignty, allowed it. She had lost her husband, her two sons and her home. Her life was going to be very difficult given her age and situation.

It's painful when you know that the God you love is all powerful and He loves you very much, but He is allowing you to go through something difficult. We often question, “Why do you want me to go through this Lord? Why do you want me to suffer?”

Deep down inside I'm sure Naomi saw a purpose for what she was going through, though she just wasn't able to see it at first. She had to take it, bear it and trust that God knew best.  

She had to live in her pain, knowing God allowed her to be there.

Have you been in this place?  Have you felt like God was against you and must be mad or disappointed in you?  I know I have.

Even in Naomi’s sorrow, God was working for her. In the last chapter of Ruth, Naomi's friends address her:

“Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous through out Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter in law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth” (Ruth 4:14,15).

This child that Ruth laid in her mother in law’s arms was named Obed, the father of Jesse, King David’s Father. This woman, in the midst of her sorrow, became the great grandmother of King David, a man after God’s own heart. 

Even though it seemed like God had forgotten Naomi, He certainly had not. 

We also can know that God is working out the details of our life for good, just as it states in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”   

  

Bio:   Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 1998, Laura Menefee has learned to live through very painful emotional times. She shares her experience through writing and speaking, hoping to bring awareness. She lives in Wilmington NC, but is originally from Northern Kentucky.