Relationships According to the Book of Ruth Voorbeeld

# DAY 7: God Has a Plan. When we go through heartbreak, disappointment, the loss of a loved one, it can be difficult to cope. Naomi lost her husband and then her two sons. Unprocessed grief can hide the process of healing when we allow our situation to be our identity. “Don’t call me Naomi (Pleasant one) , call me Marah (Bitter). Use this name because God All-Powerful has made my life very sad. I had everything I wanted when I left, but now, the LORD brings me home with nothing.” We all hit low places in life, but God remains faithful. Naomi wasn't alone, and she didn't go through the process of grief and loss alone. Ruth was with her. The community of people in Bethlehem were with her. We can truly experience healing when we invite others to help us go through the process. Bethlehem is known as the “house of bread”, a place of communion and fellowship. Naomi brought her hurt and sorrow to the house of bread, and through Ruth, God redeemed her household. God has a plan even when we process grief, loss and mourning. He wants to redeem, mend and heal our brokenness. Have you lost a loved one? Have you processed the loss and grief? Are you surrounded by a community of people that can help carry you through it? My prayer is that God sends people to help you through the pain and loss. I pray that you will experience the healing power of God through the comfort of the Holy Spirit. The Lord is near the brokenhearted. His heart is to pour out his love for you through the pain.