Naomi was a woman who had experienced tremendous loss. She moved from a home she loved to a foreign land with new people and customs. Then when she got to the foreign land, her husband died and her son’s married foreign women. She lived in this world for about ten years until her sons also died. I am sure when she heard that the land of Israel was prospering she was ready to go back home.
Naomi packed her bags and set out for home. Before she left, she encouraged her daughters-in-law to go back home to their parents. They had a better chance of remarrying and having a family than going to the land of Israel with her. Ruth, one of her daughter-in-law, decided to travel with Naomi back to Israel. (Ruth 1:6-18)
“So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really, Naomi?” the women asked. “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty, has made life very bitter for me. 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?” (Ruth 1:19-21 ; NLT)
Naomi did not hold back. When the people of the town saw her, she told them how she felt. Naomi had suffered, and she was not going to make like everything was alright.
A lot of times, we put on a mask or play the part that everything is ok when it is not. While you do not have to tell the whole situation to everyone, (You might want to confide in one or two close friends), you can express in a way to be truthful about your struggle or suffering. Voicing our struggles, in no way diminishes our faith in God. It is merely expressing our needs and our struggles to others.
Galatians 6:2 tells us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (NIV). How can someone help carry your burden if you do not tell them?
It takes an act of humility to admit that we are struggling in our life. That is why it is so essential to study the Word of God for daily comfort and to reach out to fellow Christians for help. While Jesus never leaves you, you should surround yourself with people who genuinely love the Lord and will be by your side to help with your load.
Will you let someone know that you have a burden, and will you let them help you?
