Reading the book of Ruth can be inspiring, with its story of true love between Ruth and Boaz… yet is that the point of the book? That seems too shallow. 

While reading through, I noticed the story focuses more on Naomi and Boaz than on Ruth. So, as an unmarried young woman who wants to romanticize my life, what’s the takeaway?

Chapter 1, verse 20 reveals the state of her heart, “…call me Mara (bitter), for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me.”

How many times have I thought something similar? I have caught myself asking God why he wasn’t dealing with me fairly. I see the world around me move on, building families, finding their calling, their purpose, their place… yet I, who have tried to serve God wholeheartedly for many years, seem lost, passed by, and overlooked by God. My heart wants to scream, “Lord, why are you dealing bitterly with me?” My heart becomes bitter just like Mara’s name.

Did the bitter name turn Naomi’s heart bitter? Did Naomi trust God through her heartbreak?

If Naomi’s story ended there, then I would say no, yet God reveals the ending to be something I could never have dreamt up. er name may mean bitter, but her heart could not. The change in Naomi’s heart is evident when she pronounces, “May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead.” (2:20). What kindness does Naomi speak of? What hope did she find? Why speak of the dead?

Maybe this is the shattering moment for Naomi’s bitter heart… Naomi realizes her men are dead, yet now God himself is taking care of her. He is her redeemer. He is her hope.

So now, reading the story again, I find God in the center. God led Naomi through the valley of the shadow of death. She was broken, humbled, lost. But GOD! His steadfast love and kindness take care of those who lose hope. He not only provides Naomi with daily provisions through the marriage of Ruth and Boaz, but also writes her a beautiful future. 

Did she change her name back? I can’t think of why not? The women of Bethlehem bless Naomi with these words, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” (4:14-15). Even though Ruth’s son becomes Naomi’s redeemer, the true redeemer remains God. He gives Naomi a chance to influence the son who would become an important part of history. This son Obed, becomes the grandfather of David, through whose line the Messiah, God, came into the world to save sinners. 

If we go back to the beginning of Naomi’s story, in the land of Moab, in the house of mourning… do we see a bright and blessed future? Certainly not. Was God’s plan evident to Naomi at that time? No. Did God actually forsake her? No. God Himself led her by the hand through the trials and tears, through bitterness and lost hope.

So, did Almighty deal bitterly with me? Maybe it seems like He has. In those times, it seems like the bitterness of my heart overtakes the kindness of God. BUT GOD… His kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead! He shatters the bitter hearts. He softens me, molds me. He reminds me of his faithfulness today, tomorrow, and forevermore. Through the valleys and hardships, the highs and the lows, the doubts and the pain, the mourning and praise, blessed be the name of the LORD.