~ The Mara ~
She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara,for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
Ruth 1:20
As I read the The book of Ruth, I couldn't imagine how was Naomi at the moment though she was Mara but she still trusted Him. It's hard when things are not going as we expected. She has lost her husband now she lost the two sons. Then she asked Orpa and Ruth to leave her. She didn't want them to be a part of her sorrow but Ruth she knew Naomi well , she still wanted to be with her, be a part of her sorrow because she knew there would a good thing to be with Naomi .I believe there must be a desire as a virtuous woman to be good wife and mother or even a grandmother. Oh poor Naomi...
But, the good thing is Naomi knew that God had a plan for her. He turns everything for good. At the end by owning the name of Mara she could see the beautiful work of God. She had grandson called Obed and there would come the Savior of the world. Not only her who could see but also people at Moab could see that the Lord truly has a great plan through the hard times for those who trust in Him (thats where I see Beautiful in bitterness).
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.
Psalm 119:74
As we are strangers in this world there's a season where we are Mara(s) and as I write this to encourage you, also encouraging myself. I am easily person who worry at times but my heart grateful that Jesus has paid my worries at the cross. Trust in the Lord all in good or bad times that He has a great plan.
Mara,
The morning woman of God who has hoped in the LORD.
The broken and dark inside but the Light has found you.
The beauty in the weakness.
The strength is a part of your soul.
The woman that goes through the rivers but it shall not overflow her.
The woman that walks through the fire but she shall not be burned.
The bruised reed that He will not break.
The smoking flax that He will not quench.
The molded porcelain.
You're bitter but beautiful.
We might be Mara, a small bitter in this world but the Lord will remember us
He is just full of mercy.
Thank you sweet Jesus!
♥
Comments
I think we all go through times of bitterness, when it seems like nothing is going well. Like we're being cursed or something. But as you say, we need to believe like Naomi that God has the plan. We can't see it, but that doesn't mean it's not there. That's the time our faith is tested, that's for sure.
Keep in faith. You are Naomi!
Ceil