“The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.” (Ruth 1:4-5 NLT)
The sons did not, could not, marry within their culture. After marrying Moabite women, they later died leaving Naomi both husbandless and childless in a strange land with no family protection.
“But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me.” (Ruth 1:8 NLT)
We know from the previous verses that Naomi and her two daughters-in-law were returning to Judah because the Lord was blessing there. Along the way Naomi released her daughters-in-law to return to their own mothers. She also spoke a blessing over them. One left and one, Ruth, stayed to travel with Naomi. I'm reminded that Naomi, her husband, and sons left because of famine and now that God was blessing Judah they could return. Leaving was never meant to be a permanent thing.
This story reminds me that everyone isn’t a part of our entire journey. There are some that will travel all the way with us and some that will drop off as others pick up. I see the respect and love these daughters-in-law shared for Naomi and she for them. When it’s time for people to leave, we should release them with blessings, even if we didn’t initiate the separation. We must trust that if they leave, then they are no longer part of our journey.
Speak this blessing over those that have left regardless of how they left or how you felt:
"The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually)." (Numbers 6:24-26 AMPC)
We are called to love and that includes those that may have hurt us. So, when they come to mind, bless them again! When you speak of them speak well of them. Ask God to show you the blessings in the departure.
"And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose." (Romans 8:28 AMP)
There is a reason for everything God allows to touch our lives. I call them character building opportunities. While we may not like what happened, or even how it happens, we are responsible for how we react.
Ask yourself:
How can this make me better?
How can I reflect the character of Jesus in how I respond?
What is the lesson for me to learn, remembering that God wastes nothing?
Seeing from God's perspective allows us to release people in love and with blessings. Sometimes the release isn't about you, it could be about them or who is watching your process. Just know that He is working it all out for your good and His glory.
Be Encouraged! ❤
(Updated From the Vault of LWM)