As the story of Naomi begins in Ruth 1:1-22, she had lost her husband and her two sons. She was devastated and bitterness crept into her life. As she lost perspective, she begins to speak negative words over herself. But, what would the Lord want her to do?
11 But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? 12 No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? 13 Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.” [1] Ruth 1:11-13
Have you noticed that the words you speak can change the atmosphere? Words that are hurtful fill the atmosphere with anger and despair. Words of encouragement and love fill the atmosphere with kindness and caring. The words we speak make a difference. When I begin to take my troubles to the Lord and seek Him in prayer, something begins to happen deep within my soul. It is almost like the Lord lifts me out of the hole as I seek Him. He truly does restore my joy, because my focus is no longer on myself, but on Him.
When the Lord shows me that He is near, it changes the atmosphere. I may have thought that the Lord did not hear my cry, but His heart was attentive to my plea. I may have thought the Lord did not care, but the Lord cared more for me than I could ever imagine. As you begin to dialog with the Lord, He begins to reveal who He is and it restores your joy.
When I direct my hardships to the Lord, it brings me peace and joy which keep me from becoming bitter and filled with unforgiveness. When my father died, I felt like a soldier who had been abandoned on the field of battle. My father who was always by my side had gone to be with the Lord. Now what? I spent the next 3-4 months just listening to the Psalms each day as my devotion. Over time, this wound of separation was healed and I moved on. In a spiritual sense, the Psalms let me rest in the lap of my heavenly Father. It was there that the Lord restored my joy.
Do you need your joy restored? Would you like to change the atmosphere of your situation? Turn to the Lord’s word and seek Him in prayer. When you do, it will change your atmosphere.
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” [2] Matthew 11:28-30
To hear more about Naomi in crisis listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-the-divine-intruder/the-divine-intruder-during-crisis
[1, 2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ru 1:11–13, Mat. 11:28-30). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.