Bitter or Better

  
Bitter or BetterOctober 29, 2015 Year B

Life can make one bitter or better. It depends upon your outlook. In this scene, Naomi returns to Jerusalem with her daughter-in-law Ruth. Naomi and Ruth had spent time in Moab (modern-day Jordan) because Naomi’s husband and sons had died and there was a famine. They spent ten years in this foreign land. It has been a hard experience. It has been so hard that Naomi encouraged both of her daughters-in-law to go to their mother’s homes. Orpah goes (Ruth 1:15), but Ruth stays (Ruth 1:16-17). Naomi returns home to Jerusalem and everyone is happy to see her (Ruth 1:19). Yet, Naomi is a bitter woman.

Naomi admits that when she left Israel, she had everything. But that God has brought her emptiness (Ruth 1:21). She blames God for her bitterness (Ruth 1:20).
Like Naomi, there are some people who take their difficult experiences and they allow themselves to be bitter. The first person they blame is God. But they are emotionally lashing out their need for Him.

Naomi was a bitter old woman at this point because she let her circumstances control her. However, I am in control of my reaction to my experiences. I can let the bad things get to me, or let them teach me. But I have a choice in the way I react.

The challenge is this: Will I be bitter or better?

Prayer: God, help me see my circumstances as a way to see You at work and not Your absence. Help me to be better, not bitter.