I’m reading a book called ‘A Sweet & Bitter Providence’ by John Piper. Its about the wonderful Old Testament story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz (found in the Book of Ruth).
I’ve been reminded of God’s wonderful providence over His people in their times of joy and in their times of sorrow, disappointment & desperation.
Naomi had had enough. Her husband and her sons had died, her future looked completely bleak and so she told her neighbours to call her ‘Mara’ (‘Bitter’). While Naomi gave up hope, Ruth her daughter-in-law, put her hope in Naomi’s God and became the very channel for bringing hope back to Naomi, from God the Source.
You can’t read the Book of Ruth without seeing the outworking of God for the good of His people through all times and all situations.
‘Bitter’ Naomi in chapter one becomes ‘encouraged’ Naomi in chapter two as God provides for her & Ruth. Then ‘hopeful’ Naomi in chapter three as Boaz (their kinsman-redeemer) is drawn to Ruth. Then in the final chapter, we find ‘over-the-moon’ Naomi, as God’s gracious blessing is poured out. Mara no more!
John Piper says, ‘God is not just showing up after the trouble and cleaning it up. He is plotting the course and managing the troubles with far-reaching purposes for our good and for the glory of Jesus Christ.’
What great comfort and strength this is to us in our Christian lives. Yes, God’s purposes are being worked out in us, even under the spiritually dark cloud. Wait on the Lord for the cloud to break, bringing forth His blessing & His light.
“Don’t call me Naomi, she said to them. Call me Mara, because
the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but
the Lord has brought me back empty...” Ruth 1:20-21
