by John O’Malley
“And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field” (Ruth 2:22).
Naomi watched and listened in amazement as the provision of Jehovah was displayed through the kindness of Boaz. A little over eight gallons of barley lay across her table or perhaps on the floor. Her daughter-in-law stood before her, bubbling over with exuberance as she detailed each moment of interaction with Boaz.
Naomi could no longer keep silent. Commentary and counsel needed given, but what would she say? How should she say it? She began, “It is good.”
The words of a few days before must have echoed in her heart: “The Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20). “I went out blessed, and now I return bankrupt. I went out with good testimony in Bethlehem-judah, and now I return with heaven testifying against me. I left home delighted, and am returning disappointed. Since my arrival in Moab, I have been in His classroom of affliction; but now, upon graduation, I find this was His classroom of affection.”
Dear friend, the goodness of the Lord will always manifest itself. When Naomi arrived home from Moab, she could not see one good thing around her. Her disappointments abounded; her heart was heavy. Little did she know that her return to God’s will led to restoration of the Messianic line. For all those who love God and respond to His call, everything does work together for their good.
Naomi graduated from the classroom of affliction when she recognized it was really God’s classroom of affection. Are you struggling today with a heavy burden? Remember this: God will always chastise His children, not because He desires to afflict, but because He cares for us. Your affliction is to draw you back to Him; you are not apart from His affection.
Now I'm standing on the mountain. Looking back, I can see
When I was in that lowest valley, His strong hand was leading me.
Oh, it's good to see the sunshine and to taste sweet victory;
God has made this trial a blessing. Oh, the grace He gives to me.
-Terry Tidwell