The Bitter place

When a bitter season sprouts from disappointment or what feels like personal failings know that you are not alone. I decided to search the scriptures through my bitterness and it was the balm my soul needed. I desperately needed to know that I could make it through each day. This devotion is based on chapters 1-4 in the book of Ruth. I pray that this devotion is a balm to your soul and that it would stir your faith to know that God hears your cry.

In Ruth 1:13 Naiomi says “ No, my daughters, my life is much too bitter for you to share, because the Lord's hand has turned against me”. Naiomi’s statement was a culmination of her experience in Moab. The word Moab means “From the Father”. Naiomi's husband chose to go live in Moab with his family due to a famine in Bethlehem. From famine to losing her spouse, to losing both of her sons Naiomi's hope was choked out by the bitterness of life. She felt that no real future existed. She struggled believing God would help her. Naomi couldn't see it at the moment but God provided exactly what she needed to help her connect with his plan for her life- for the future he intended for her to have in spite of the past. Naomi needed Ruth. She almost sent Ruth away but because of her kindness and refusal to leave her Naiomi experienced grace in the midst of her pain. I was meditating on how God always provides. There is always a ram in the bush but we have to have eyes to see it. Pain distorts our sight but not our hearing. Although Naomi was experiencing bitterness, the expression of hope through a seed of ‘ the word’ was not lost. When she heard (Ruth 1:6) that the Lord gave his people grain- she got up. She spoke with her daughters and she began to plan. The word of God says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Naomi began to move in faith, despite the pain because she heard God was preparing a future for his people by providing grain.

In chapter 2 we begin to see expressions of hope growing in Naomi and becoming faith in action. Ruth spoke with Naomi about going out to a field to glean wheat. She was permitted to do so because it was written within the law to bless those in need by allowing them to glean from the corners of the field. How could Ruth have known about this custom? Because it is likely Naiomi told her. Hope isn't something you talk about loosely. Real hope is shared with others. When you hope for something you don't yet see but can grasp the possibility by faith- you begin to speak it out. Naomi slowly began to be filled with hope as she submitted to the will of the Lord. She then began to be able to grasp God's vision for her life. She began to wait for an open door of opportunity to establish her future.

One day Naiomi mentions that Ruth needs a home and to be cared for ( Ruth 3:1). Naomi knew Boaz’ schedule ( Ruth 3:2) and she searched for the opportune time to move forward with a plan of action. Naiomi gave clear instruction to Ruth, according to the customs of her people. She gave Ruth wisdom. I love the beauty of the connection of gleaning and seeking throughout the book of Ruth. Although this story is shared in four chapters we don't know how long Ruth gleaned at Boaz' field. The word glean in Hebrew is the word ‘ Laqat’ meaning to pick up and to gather. The word ‘ Zeteite’ in Greek means “ you seek” or is a command “ seek!” meaning to search until something is found. While Ruth did the work of gleaning, Naomi did the work of seeking. When the Israelites went out to laqat (glean) manna, they would actively zeteo (seek) the ground to find it. Where is God providing tools and provision for the future in front of you? Are you actively searching for it? If you chose to prioritize his plan with deliberate and concentrated effort he will reward you ( Matthew 6:33). God always goes before us and creates a way for his plan to come to fruition no matter what season we're in. Within the customs of the Jewish laws he gave instruction to allow the land to rest and have a Sabbath from planting and tilling. He told his people in the seventh year to simply receive the harvest that the land provides and every 50 years there would be a Jubilee, following seven cycles of seven Sabbath years. God wanted his people ( and his church) to understand that rest accumulates to liberation in time. Rest is a spiritual discipline. It is not just stillness and waiting. It's a rhythm that flows from creating, laboring, pausing, worshipping, and trust. Naomi began to step out of bitterness and into rest as she walked in God's plan.

In chapter 4 all of these things unfold on Jubilee! Boaz willingly agreed to redeem everything. The property of the family, Ruth as his bride of relation, the family name (which was very important to continue the legacy). Naomi became like a mother again when Ruth gave birth. In the place of bitterness God restored everything and more to Naomi. May you be encouraged to know that God has a plan for your life in spite of bitter places and he will establish his will in your life. Connect with his plan through prayer, express your hope in Christ, and wait for the open door. Blessings!

Coach Kee