Call Me Bitter

Call Me Bitter

Naomi

Read: Ruth 1:19-20

One of my least favorite sayings is based on a quote from Nietzsche: “Whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” There are other responses to adversity besides dying or growing stronger. One of the most popular options is bitterness. Medical professionals recognize a bitter spirit at the root of many physical and emotional problems. A cynical attitude is bad for our health, harmful to our relationships, and a hindrance to our spiritual lives.

Naomi’s life became so bitter that she asked people to call her Mara (“bitter”) rather than Naomi (“pleasant”). Naomi and her husband had been prominent, well-respected citizens of Bethlehem, but now Naomi was returning to her hometown as a poor widow. She expressed her grief and resentment over the tragic deaths of her husband and sons, even knowing that God was in control of her life. Naomi saw only a bleak future of poverty ahead. In her grief, she couldn’t fully appreciate the blessing of a daughter-in-law who was willing to give up everything for her. Naomi also didn’t know that God would soon restore her joy and her zest for life.

It’s natural to struggle with discouragement when we go through a trial or a loss. The grieving process takes time, but eventually we need to move past our hurt and accept healing from the only One who can give it. We don’t have to shy away from being honest with God when we feel resentful toward our circumstances, other people, or him. The longer we allow bitterness to grow, the harder it is to get rid of it. If we accept God’s leadership over our lives and ask for his help, we don’t have to live with the crippling effects of bitterness. And we won’t feel the need to change our names.

Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Hebrews 12:15