"Bitter" is a Bad Name

In hardship, we can change our name ... or we can change our perspective.

Let me explain:

Naomi's family moved to Moab, a pagan land, because of famine in Israel. Afterward her husband and two married sons died.

Because God was blessing Israel with good crops, the widow Naomi returned to her homeland where friends and relatives welcomed her.

Her daughter-in-law Ruth vowed to never leave Naomi and to worship the True and Living God instead of the pagan gods of Moab.

Naomi's loss was great, but she was back among God's people where food was plentiful, she had a devoted, God-fearing daughter-in-law, and she had God's comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

However, Naomi told everyone to call her "Mara" (bitter) 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)

... empty ...

In the midst of trials, we often ignore God's loving hand of help and provision. But when this happens, we need to change our perspective, not our name. 
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I encourage you to do the Bite Size Bible Study on this devotion. It asks 3 questions we all should answer when we are going through hardship.  If you're married, I also encourage you to read this devotion about Naomi and Ruth:Was Naomi a Good Mom-in-Law?

I also encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon. In addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an ebook on other sites.

 

I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.