Who is Naomi?

I’m glad you asked! She is introduced to us in the book of Ruth. In the study of Ruth, we learn how God used Ruth and Naomi for His divine plan. The friendship, companionship, and devotion that Ruth and Naomi unselfishly gave to one another is the topic of countless Bible studies. Out of the union of Ruth and Boaz, comes the lineage of our Savior, Jesus Christ. God used these two women in ways they never dreamed possible.

In four short chapters, we are witnesses to Naomi’s wisdom. Her first wise act was to return to her homeland. She was living in a land that worshipped false gods and idols. After she heard that the Lord had come to the aid of the people in Judah, she returned home.

The relationships we value in Ruth are largely due to Naomi’s direction. Once they arrived in Judah, she set about on her second wise act mentoring Ruth. Next, she orchestrated the events to secure both their futures by identifying their kinsman redeemer, which ultimately led to the union of Ruth and Boaz. Yes, Naomi was wise!

Naomi's many valuable lessons are still applicable today. Her teaching includes one specific lesson, and that is how to handle the seasons we will undoubtedly experience. At some point in our lives, we’ll go through a season of love, lost, grief, change, ______ fill in the blank! Chances are, you are going through a season right now. Naomi was in a season of grief. She lost her husband and two sons. Sad, hurt, and bitter she returned home. She returned to God. This is documented for us in Ruth 1:7 (New American Standard Bible), "So she departed from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah."

This one verse reminds us that no matter what we have gone through, or are currently going through, the first thing we should always do is to return to God. This is reinforced in Matthew 6:33 (New American Standard Bible), "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Read the book of Ruth. Trust me, it will inspire you!