I find it interesting that when life becomes difficult, our first instinct is often to blame someone or something. It is a very human response. We try to make sense of pain by transferring it to another person, another circumstance, or even to God Himself.
Naomi was no different.
As she struggled with overwhelming grief at the loss of her husband and both sons, Naomi could only conclude that God Himself had brought this sorrow upon her. In essence, she cried, “He did it!” The NIV states it like this:
“The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” Ruth 1:21
We may not want to admit it, but many of us have spoken to God in much the same way.
Yet, almost unnoticed, Naomi does the very thing she needs most.
She goes home.
The idea of coming home echoes throughout Scripture. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness before entering the home God had promised them. The Hebrew exiles longed to return home from Babylon. The prodigal son finally found hope when he decided to go home to his father. As believers, we live with the anticipation of our eternal home in heaven.
Home is often where healing begins.
When trauma enters our lives, we rarely move from pain to peace in a single step. There is numbness. There is grief. There may even be blame. Then comes the search for sanctuary. Finally, with God’s help, rebuilding begins.
I remember those long days when Ray was recovering from his traumatic brain injury. Each evening, returning home brought a sense of comfort that I desperately needed. The familiar surroundings reminded me that not everything had changed. But even more than the comfort of our house, I found myself returning again and again to the comforting arms of God.
Sometimes it was the reading chair in my prayer room where I became totally engrossed in God’s Word. Many times it was absolute silence while I rested in the promised comfort of abiding in Him.
Like Eligah I discovered that God’s presence often met me, not in the noise, but in the quiet.
He alone comforted me. He guided me when I couldn’t see the next step. He provided for every need. He healed broken places that no one else could see.
Naomi thought her story was ending in bitterness. God knew it was only the beginning of redemption.
We don’t choose the phases of our lives, but we can choose our refuge. Again, and again, I have discovered that my true home is found in God’s presence.
Abba, Father, You have given me so much. You are always present when I need You. All praise, honor, and glory belong to You alone. Thank You for creating this beautiful day and for reminding me that no matter where life leads, I can always come home to You. Help me rest in Your presence, trust in Your provision, and find my peace in You.
A Satisfied Spirit 