A half filled glass and a half empty glass contain the same amount of water. We can choose either label and be correct. When I view my glass as half full, I am much more positive in my view and outlook. I much prefer to be around people who also see their glass half full verses half empty. Maybe you would also.
Sometimes circumstances in life are like that. As I write this, I am going to have hernia surgery tomorrow. I can choose to complain or look at all the good things the Lord is doing to make me well. I am choosing to be thankful and be encouraged with what the Lord is doing in my life. God can heal in many different ways and medical help is one of them.
In our story from Ruth chapter one, Naomi has turned bitter. Her husband and two sons have died, and she is a widow. She begins to focus on all the things that are wrong, and that is beginning to affect her view of herself and the Lord. When she returned to Bethlehem with Ruth, she describes her feelings as being bitter. 20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?” [1]Ruth 1:20-21.
How about you? Would you like to look at life with your glass half full and not half empty? If you struggle, turn to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you to see things through His eyes. As you pray, ask the Lord to change you. Don’t be surprised how the world begins to change around you. Why? The Lord is transforming your heart and thus, the way you view the world.
Remember the words of the Apostle Paul from Philippians 4:8. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.[2]Philippians 4:8
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 1:20–21, Phil. 4:8). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
GOOD FOR YOU. Not only is it great for you physically, it’s a very potent drug for making you feel better psychologically. As your heart starts pumping, your body releases endorphins into your system which not only burn off stress, but allow you to view your life and challenges through a more empowering and optimistic lens. Seriously, what’s not to like about exercise? (Besides doing it?)