…Blessed am I… – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Ruth 1:21-22 – “I went away prosperous, but the Lord brought me back poor; why then should you call me Naomi, since the Lord has spoken against me and the Almighty has afflicted me? So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with Ruth her daughter-in-law, the Moabitess; and they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.”
Introduction to Ruth 1:21-22
Naomi lived a structured life in Bethlehem of Judah (which means “House of Bread”). She had a complete home, with her husband and children, and enjoyed security and provision.
However, one event completely changed her story: a famine struck the land. Faced with this crisis, her husband Elimelech decided to leave Bethlehem and seek refuge in the land of Moab, a place outside the boundaries of Judah.
This choice seemed logical from a human point of view, but it had bitter consequences for Naomi. Like her, many of us face difficult times and, in search of quick solutions, we make decisions that take us away from God’s presence.
Development
“HAPPY I AM DEPARTED…”
The word “blessed” means happy, prosperous, blessed. When Naomi left, perhaps she was hoping for a better future, believing that the change of territory would bring relief to her family.
The danger of self-sufficiency
Self-sufficient people think they can make their own decisions without consulting God. Naomi and her family left the House of Bread without seeking the Lord’s guidance, relying on their own strategies to survive the crisis.
Moab represents the world
In the Bible, Moab symbolizes a place of estrangement from God. Although it seemed like a temporary refuge, staying there had disastrous consequences.
When we leave the source of life, we suffer the consequences
No doubt Naomi’s choice to leave Bethlehem for Moab brought enormous losses. Her story shows that, far from divine protection, nothing escapes destruction.
📌 The death of her husband – Without the one who supported her, Naomi found herself abandoned to her fate in a strange land.
📌 The death of her children – Losing her children is the most devastating blow. Without heirs, her line of descent ended, reducing her to total loneliness.
Any action outside of the heavenly call inevitably leads to suffering. What seemed promising turned out to be bitter and empty.
“…YOU MADE ME…”
Despite the hardships, Naomi still saw God’s protective hand in the midst of the turmoil. Her faith made her aware of his guidance even in the darkness.
God corrects out of love, not to destroy
By allowing the hell she lived through, the Most High had a goal: to bring her back to the fold. He often uses suffering to awaken us from our slumber and bring us back to himself.
Recognizing your mistake is the first step
Filled with homesickness, Naomi realized that she would not find peace in Moab. Recognizing where we have gone wrong moves the merciful heart to act.
“…COME BACK POOR.”
Back home, she brought nothing but herself. She had left fortunate, but returned empty.
🔹 In dependence on God we find true wealth
He often allows us to be destitute so that only he can provide for us. Naomi had nothing, but she still carried the promise of the Most High.
🔹 God’s majestic presence is the supreme good
We live in search of fleeting achievements, but the greater purpose is to remain before the Most High. Those who trust in Him may face storms, but they will never be alone.
Conclusion
It has always been the divine plan that man should enjoy heavenly protection in His glorious company.
Naomi left Bethlehem full and returned empty, but her story didn’t end there. God still had a destiny for her! Her return marked the dawn of her restoration.
🙌 How are you?
🔹 Are you staying in the House of Bread or seeking solace in Moab?
🔹 Do you trust the Lord or act without His guidance?
🔹 Feel your chest empty? Remember: God can fill you up again!
💡 It doesn’t matter how much you’ve lost or how far you’ve wandered. The Most High always points the way back.
📖 “Weeping endures for the night; joy comes at break of day.” (Psalm 30:5)
🔥 Return to God’s presence! A new beginning awaits you!
Preaching Outline on Ruth 1:21-22 – “I went away prosperous, but the Lord brought me back poor; why then should you call me Naomi, since the Lord has spoken against me and the Almighty has afflicted me? So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with Ruth her daughter-in-law, the Moabitess; and they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.”
More Preaching Outlines
- House of Bread – Ruth 1:1-6
- Elisha heals the waters – II Kings 2:19-22
- Cistern of Bethlehem – 2 Samuel 23:15
