A theology of grief

Notably, a theology of grief. A theology of grief.

Key points

• A little bit petty, a whole lot creative: Inside Tupelo's Petty Betty's Art Studio.
• Through the clouds of grief, the light of hope began to break as the stage was set for God to provide abundantly for Naomi and Ruth.
• Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975.
• Clemson's Swinney notes he hasn't heard from NCAA on tampering allegations he produced against Ole Miss.
• Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt particularly bitterly with me.

Notably, a theology of grief. A theology of grief. By: Alistair Begg – September 3, 2026.

Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt particularly bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. – Ruth 1: 20-21.

When Naomi returned to Bethlehem, leaving the graves of her husband and sons behind in Moab, we can only imagine the pain and grief she experienced as she came back to familiar places and faces. What thoughts and memories would have emerged? Oh, that's Mrs. So-and-So, and those must be her sons. Look how they've grown! This is where I applied to bring the boys. This is where Elimelech and I applied to walk.

As bitterness over her situation set in, Naomi, whose name means "pleasant, " decided that a more suitable name for herself was Mara. It means "bitter." She didn't attempt to sweep life's challenges aside and convince everyone that everything was fine. To do so would have been less than honest-a betrayal of the theology underpinning her faith against the backdrop of what the hymn writer William Cowper called "a frowning providence."

Naomi's situation speaks to the fact that even for God's individuals, some pain in life will seem unbearable, some circumstances will appear unjust, and some questions will remain unanswered. Her response raises a question: what will we do when grief strikes in our own lives? The reality of suffering is a difficulty for the Christian, but it is no less a challenge for everyone else. All individuals must wrestle with the challenge of pain. Since if there is no God, we simply live in a universe of chance, where things just tumble along, an atheist can't do so satisfactorily. But the Christian can ask-indeed, we should ask-"Where is God in the midst of this?"

Naomi's honest expression of emotion is matched by her theology. She doesn't attribute all that has happened to chance, but she acknowledges God's hand at work. She declares that God is right in the midst of her pain; she calls Him Shaddai, "Almighty, " the providing, protecting God. What does Shaddai mean? It's the characteristic of God that means He's at His best when we are at our worst. Naomi had gone through famine, loss, bereavement, doubts, and goodbyes-but since she knew God as Shaddai, she could leave the explanation and the responsibility for such bitter trials with Him.

When the wheels run off the road, when everything goes haywire?, where do you turn when the waves hit. It must be to your knowledge of who God is and how He deals with His individuals. This is a sure foundation on which to stand. Where else can we go?

When Naomi left Bethlehem, there was famine. When she returned, there was harvest. Through the clouds of grief, the light of hope began to break as the stage was set for God to provide abundantly for Naomi and Ruth. When God is at work, even hopelessness may be the doorway to fresh starts and new opportunities. He will one day dispel all darkness. God is your Shaddai. In which part of your life do you need to hear this today? And who around you needs you to share this with them?

Regarding the Author(s).

Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. After graduation from The London School of Theology, he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church. In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written a number of books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. His Daily Devotionals are presented here via a syndication agreement. Faith Alistair Begg August 31, 2026. This is the Lord's doing.

No matter how dark and dramatic the events of life may appear to be, God still cares for His individuals and works out His purposes. More From This Author. Faith Alistair Begg August 28, 2026. Faith Alistair Begg August 27, 2026. Faith Alistair Begg August 26, 2026. Faith Alistair Begg September 2, 2026. God of the ordinary. Faith Matt Friedeman August 30, 2026. Parents – time to start raising "different" children.

Children are a precious gift. Parenting in an era where the world wants their attention and is able to obtain it with relative ease is no straightforward task. Faith Alistair Begg August 25, 2026. We all worship something.

You gotta serve somebody today. Be sure to create it the living, loving God. News Frank Corder September 2, 2026. Mississippi's August revenue collections come in $51 million above estimate. News Cass Rutledge September 2, 2026. $10 million USDA grant supports expansion of Leland Medical Clinic. News Jeremy Pittari September 2, 2026. Mississippi law enforcement operation targets card skimmer fraud. Business Frank Corder September 2, 2026. Gulf Ship investing $44 million to expand Gulfport shipyard. Business Frank Corder August 28, 2026. Ocean Aero creating 45 jobs with $4 million expansion in Gulfport.

Business Frank Corder August 27, 2026. Raytheon announces completion of $50 million expansion in Forest. Culture Steve Reed, Associated Press September 2, 2026.

Clemson's Swinney notes he hasn't heard from NCAA on tampering allegations he produced against Ole Miss. Culture Meredith Biesinger September 1, 2026.

Meanwhile, a little bit petty, a whole lot creative: Inside Tupelo's Petty Betty's Art Studio. Culture Alistair Begg September 1, 2026. The valley of decision. Opinion Sid Salter September 2, 2026. For over 40 years, Mississippi workers have exceeded expectations at Raytheon. Opinion Ashby Foote September 1, 2026. Energy Wars: Attack of the drones. Opinion Roger Wicker August 28, 2026. Reports of Mississippi momentum are true.

Taken together, the developments around a theology of grief point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.