06
LARGE & IN-CHARGE!
Rod ShimabukuroShe said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” Ruth 1:20-21
There were expressions in the book of Ruth that delicts Naomi dealing with deep discouragement and depression. The loss she experienced would greatly affect any woman longing to fulfill her role as a wife, mother, mother in law - and maybe one day as a grandmother. The deaths of her husband and 2 married sons, left her with 2 daughter-in laws, no grandchildren.
I think the combination of her personal (family) loss with the reality that there would be no generational offspring, sickened her soul. It’s obvious the Lord is sovereign but whether “He caused” Naomi’s calamity or not, the end of the story is always our hope (as in the story of Ruth!)
Like Naomi, I and most of mankind would direct our anger, frustration, disappointments toward God. When we are blessed of God with life going well - we give Him praise. When there is loss, God becomes the blame and focal point of our despair.
I’m weak and vulnerable, like many, to question God first - when things don’t “go my way.” But having read the complete story of Ruth, I know my God is always IN CHARGE! I don’t think I will ever be ready for calamity - dark, hurtful, discouraging, despairing times/seasons. But I hope I can remember that my God is Always LARGE and IN-CHARGE!
WOW GOD! Once again - you continue to show Yourself as a Mighty, loving, Large and In Charge kind of God... and I thank You! I want to trust You, Love You...one day, one moment at a time! Thank You for raising Jesus from the sead - Thank You Jesus.... for everything you did and do! Thank You for getting me ready for Your return!
