Bible Widow - Naomi

Naomi

Naomi Teaches the Widow that Honesty is the Best Policy

Naomi had lost her husband and two sons and was left with two daughters-in-law to support and no means for doing so. Here she was in this foreign country with her life crumbling around her. Her grief was deep and her pain so intense that she felt like there was no way out. And you know what she did? She blamed God. She railed at him about his reasons for not stopping the plague from killing her sons. In Ruth 1:13 she cried out, ‘The Lord Himself has raised His fist against me.” It’s conjecture what she said and did, but regardless, she was just plain angry and beat down. Have you ever been in that position?

It was at this point that Naomi made the decision to return to Bethlehem, a long dangerous journey of over 70 miles. You would have thought that when she finally reached her destination, alive and with her beloved Ruth at her side, she would have heaved a sigh of relief and rejoiced in God’s goodness to her. But that isn’t what she did. “The Almighty has greatly afflicted me,” she called out to them. Her physical appearance was so greatly altered from when she lived there that she was barely recognizable, stooped by grief, bitterness, and poverty.

Before we become too harsh with Naomi, think of all the adjustments you’ve had to make since the loss of your spouse. Perhaps you too have suffered loss of income, family home, and are afflicted with grief and loneliness. Naomi refused to hide her sorrow or bitterness. She believed in God’s sovereignty and attributed her suffering to His will.  I like this about Naomi. There was no pretense about her. She didn’t pretend everything was okay when it wasn’t. She didn’t respond with, “I’m fine, thank you,” when she felt like screaming. She was in the bosom of her own people and felt free to express her true feelings. I think Naomi’s advice to you would be to not play the martyr and say what you think is expected of you when trusted family and friends inquire. People ask how you are because they want to know, they’re concerned and want to be of help. Saying, “Oh, I’m okay,” or “I’m hanging in there,” doesn’t help you or them. Feelings are fickle; we know that. But, they are real to us when we experience them and Christ is touched with the feelings of our weaknesses. Be honest with yourself and your family/friends and solicit their prayers for your comfort and emotional well-being. God will hear yours and their prayers. In fact, He longs to do so and bring you back to total wellness again. 

Shari Hervold