Subtle influences of life creep into our thinking without our awareness until we are caught up in nets that ensnare us. Circumstances and people influence us.

Naomi had become embittered by life’s circumstances and had become caught up in its net.

(NASB) Ruth 1:22 “So Naomi returned, and with her Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, who returned from the land of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.”

***It has been said that you can “˜never go back’ and find things as you remember them. Life’s experiences changes you and others. Naomi had been changed from a pleasant person into a bitter woman and she was angry at God.

How have you and I chosen to become embittered by life? Do we blame others for our bitterness? Naomi blamed God. When we cling to our thoughts and nurse our grudges, we become more and more bitter and resentful. What did Naomi not do? She did not turn to God and ask for His perspective on her circumstances.

Have you asked God for His perspective in the circumstances about which you may be bitter? What can you and I do to have a changed heart attitude from one of bitterness to one of joy? The Psalmist recognized his need of God in his life and trusted Him through prayer:

(NASB) Psalm 86:1-7 “HEAR, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.

3 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.

4 Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.

6 Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.

7 In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.”

***Amazingly, Ruth’s faith was in the God toward whom Naomi was bitter. But Naomi never lost faith in God, even though she became angry with Him.

You and I can honestly tell God what we think of what He has allowed in our lives, but then we need to be ready to cry out to Him as the Psalmist did in Scripture.

Ruth had been influenced by Naomi enough for her to leave her homeland, her gods and the people she knew.

You and I have been influenced by others lives, by their words and their actions. Perhaps you have been greatly influenced by people you admire but who have not been godly role models. Looking to godly role models will be helpful but looking to God and His word is even better.

Stop and think about someone you admire for their right qualities of character.

The impact you and I have on others is also something that we may not think about often.

Whose life are you influencing today? What are you exhibiting to your children, grandchildren, friends and family?

Is the influence of your actions and words filled with godly characteristics?

How shall you now pray?