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Reflection:
Naomi came home and said, “Call me Mara,” because Mara means bitter. She was not pretending, and God is not offended by honest grief. But Naomi was doing more than describing her pain. She was letting pain name her. You may understand that temptation. A loss, failure, divorce, disappointment, or unanswered prayer can start to feel like your identity. But bitterness is a harsh teacher. It trains you to rehearse what is gone and miss the grace still standing near you. Naomi said she came back empty, but Ruth was right there. And the barley harvest was beginning. God was already turning the page, even though Naomi could not see it yet. Your story may not be resolved either. Do not let bitterness write the final sentence. Bring your grief to God, receive the grace beside you, and take the next faithful step toward Him today. One step today.

Application Question:
What name has pain tried to give you, and what would it look like to let God’s truth speak a better name over your life?