WHEN BITTERNESS CLOUDS YOUR HOPE “Do not call me Naomi,” she replied. “Call me Mara,because the Almighty; has dealt quite bitterly with me. -Ruth 1:20(BSB) (20b Naomi means pleasant . 20 c Mara means bitter.) Naomi lost everything—her husband, her sons, her sense of purpose. She renamed herself Mara, meaning bitter, because that’s how deep the sorrow ran. And yet, even in her brokenness, she didn’t walk alone. God was already preparing redemption, even when she couldn’t see it. Beloved, grief may change your story, but it doesn’t cancel God’s promises. Even in the bitterness, He is moving. Your heart won’t stay Mara forever—joy is on the way! Stay hopeful! PRAYER POINT: Abba Father, You see the places in me that have gone bitter. Thank You that You don’t leave me there. Restore hope where sorrow has settled. AMEN.
WHEN DOUBT FEELS SAFER THAN HOPE The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. John 20:25 (KJV) Doubt doesn’t always come from rebellion—it often comes from pain. Thomas had believed and hoped once. But after seeing Jesus crucified, he decided the safest thing to do was to stop hoping altogether. Sometimes, when the heart has been wounded, it feels easier not to believe at all unless you see! Does this resonate with you? Beloved, Jesus is not offended by your doubts. He meets you right where you are, gently offering proof of His love. Your doubt isn’t the end of the story—it might just be the place where faith can begin again. Seek Him and hear His voice. PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus, I bring You the parts of me that struggle with my faith. Meet me with mercy as You did wit...