When Life Feels Unfair

Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)

Scripture reading

Scripture reading:

Ruth 1:20–21

"Don’t call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

Devotional

Naomi’s story is one of deep loss — husband gone, sons gone, dreams gone. When she returns home, she doesn’t even want to be called by her name anymore. Naomi means "pleasant." But Mara — that means “bitter."

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Bitterness can come from suffering that feels senseless. It’s not always born of jealousy or rivalry — sometimes it’s grief. Naomi's pain is real, and she doesn't pretend otherwise. But even in her bitterness, God is quietly working through Ruth. Redemption is on the way, though Naomi can’t see it yet.

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The honesty of Naomi’s lament is a gift. We don’t have to pretend with God. And we can remember that bitterness isn’t the end of the story. Through Jesus, our Mara moments can be transformed. He enters our grief, walks with us, and in time, brings resurrection hope.

Question to consider

Have you ever felt like Naomi — full of grief and empty of hope? How might you gently bring that before God today?

Prayer

Faithful God, you see the times when I feel empty, when bitterness tries to name me. Thank you for staying near, even when I can’t see it. Help me hold on to you as I wait for your redemption. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Conclude with silence (2 minutes)

DAILY SEVENS

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Daily Sevens are devotionals to help you connect with God throughout the day. Each Office contains five elements: Silence and Stillness, Scripture, a Devotional Reading, a Question to Consider, and Prayer.

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