A Life Put Back Together, or Faith In the Midst of Hurt

The Book of Ruth is one of my favorite OT books. Usually we focus our attention on Ruth, the person, but I want to challenge you to take a look at Naomi. Naomi's experience is one of a life put back together. It is an example of of the struggle between what we feel and see, on one hand, and our faith in the Living God on the other hand.

As you read through the four short chapters of this book, you will see Naomi using her faith. She is hurting, helpless, angry and full of questions, but she still uses what faith she has to focus on God. There are several truths we can learn from her example.

1. Naomi acted by faith–

• She acted physically. She got up and went back to Bethlehem. Sometimes we need to find something to do; sometimes we need to go back home; sometimes we need a change of scenery.
• She also acted spiritually. She headed back to God and his people. She sought restored fellowship in the midst of her doubt and grief. Often when our faith is struggling we feel guilty, and instead of seeking fellowship with God and His people we withdraw into ourselves.
• Naomi also became involved in Ruth’s needs and dreams. She became involved in the community.

2. She was open and honest about her feelings and she expressed her feelings to God and to Ruth.

• We need to honestly express how we feel to God. He knows anyway, but we need to bring them before the Father for healing and strength. Naomi was angry and depressed for awhile. She referred to her life as "bitter."
• You need to find another believer to whom you can talk and with whom you can be transparent. A fellow Christian, of the same sex, can also hold us accountable. Prov 27:17 teaches that friends help each other grow and develop even as iron sharpens iron.

3. Naomi kept bringing her heart and mind back to God.

• She asks God to bless her daughters-in-law.
• When she prays she appeals to God as "Yahweh." This is the covenant name for God and emphasizes His loyalty, faithfulness, and sufficiency to His people.
• Back in Bethlehem she began to see God’s providential guidance. Her hope begins to bloom again. Her faith is growing stronger.
• She provides guidance to Ruth in accordance with the way she sees God working.

4. She learned to rely on God’s grace in the hard times, even though she was hurting and angry.

• Despite all she knew and did, Naomi could not put her life back together again on her own. No individual can.
• She rested in the lovingkindness and faithfulness of God. As we turn to Him He will guide and direct us. Even when we are not sure how it will turn out, God is in control and will not forsake us.

God will honor faith that is real. When we keep looking to God and seeking him inspite of anger, confusion, doubt or other mixed emotions, God will count that as faith and he will honor it.