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PROVIDENCE, DECISIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES (5)
MONDAY, JULY 8
Ruth 1:19-22

Job 2:9-13

 

“…shall we receive good
at the hand of God, and

shall we not receive evil?

 

PROVIDENCE, DECISIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES (5)
 
A quiet and peaceful journey seemingly followed the decision and resolve made. Since the matter was now laid to rest, the journey continued, and the arrival at Bethlehem anticipated with all its uncertainties. The silence of the journey gave way to expressions upon arrival that painted a picture of the hard knocks of life and their effects. The expressions of the pain and bitterness seen in life were translated into words by Naomi.
 
“…Call me not Naomi, call me Mara…” (Ruth 1:20). After many years away, probably with no news or contact, the arrival of Naomi caused a stir, and no doubt would have, especially so due to the nature of her arrival. The years and experiences were summarised by Naomi in a statement. The statement proclaimed the change that was probably visible to the women of Bethlehem and was causing a stir and feeding their “talks” in town. That change was, in Naomi’s words, one from pleasantness to bitterness. Naomi attributed the turn in her life not to chance, or to the gods of Moab where they had sojourned for a considerable amount of time, but, rather, solely to the providential hand of God. Indeed, providence affirms the hand of God in all circumstances of life. And as Job pointed out, those who trust and believe in God ought to receive all that God ordains or permits them to go through.
 
“I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty…” (Ruth 1:21). What lesson can we learn here? Does not the prodigal son’s flight and return come to mind? Does not the LORD use the bitterness of life to awaken and stir our hearts and minds to our need to return home? Is there not a welcome for us upon return, though we may come empty and filthy? Should we not be quick in paying attention to the chastening hand of providence, knowing that we are loved and it is the LORD who brings us home to Himself, albeit we may return empty and wasted?
 
THOUGHT: (Read Hebrews 12:7, 11.)
PRAYER: Grant me grace to speedily return when I stray from Thee, O Father.

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