Do you feel like Naomi in the Book of Ruth? The beginning of your life had such promise and hope, and then losses struck and knocked you off your feet.

“Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and [i]the Almighty has afflicted me?” Ruth 1:20

Naomi was so worn down that she said I don’t want to be called Naomi (pleasant) anymore, call me Mara (bitterness). She identified so much with the grief and pain that she let it consume her, and she took it on as her identity. When tragedy strikes, we must remember who our God is. He is not a God that is responsible for our affliction. He is the author of life and desires we have an abundant life. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10), and he will not stop until he puts a nail in the coffin.

Do not buy into the lie. God desires good things for your life. I know the plans that I have for you and they are good (Jeremiah 29:11). And when God starts a new thing, He will bring it to completion (Phil 1:6).

God can turn your sadness into joy.