Monday's Moment

Ruth 1:19-22

19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

21 I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Good morning, and a Marvelous Monday Morning, at that!!!

The wonderful weekend is behind us, and we are moving into another work week, whatever our line of work might be. But, I'd like to pause and reflect on something from my weekend that I feel is worth sharing. 

Yesterday morning, I was privileged to listen to my youngest brother preach and the title of his message, drawn from the verses above, was "I'm Better than Bitter". He spoke of Naomi and her family leaving Bethlehem, then some of the main events that took place while they were away, and her ultimate return to Bethlehem. The name Naomi meant "amiable or pleasant", which she was when she first left her country; but she no longer wanted to be called by that name when she returned. Instead, she chose to be called Mara, which meant "bitter".

During Naomi's time of living in the country of Moab, she endured heartbreaking tragedies, namely, the deaths of her husband and two sons. Those grievous hardships were intense, and she found herself wanting to be back where she belonged, with the people of her God. But, as she returned to Bethlehem, along with her was Ruth, a Moabitess woman, also a widow; one which happened to be her former daughter-in-law. Ruth wanted what Naomi had. Even though Naomi felt bitter, something about her attitude or lifestyle drew Ruth to her. The two ladies arrived in Bethlehem, which means "house of bread" right at the beginning of barley harvest.

The point that struck my heart yesterday during service and the one I want to impart to you today is that no matter what you go through in life, don't allow it to make you bitter, because nothing better comes of being bitter. Naomi went through hard times in Moab, but when she returned to Bethlehem, even though she felt bitter because of her pain, the timing was right. It was harvest time! 

There is a purpose for our trials, and often we are tested to reveal the very fiber of our natures. During the very hardest, most painful part of our trials when it seems there is no relief in sight, GOD knows what is ahead for us. If we will let God hold us during all the ups and downs of our sojourn here on this earth, and trust HIS timing, we can and will experience hope again in the House of Bread, and we will arrive right at the beginning of harvest!!

Trusting today's spoonful is a true tonic to lift your spirits.

Until tomorrow, Lord willing................