When despair and discouragement cloud our lives, the story of Ruth in the Bible offers a beacon of hope and encouragement. Let’s delve into Ruth’s narrative and discover three essential elements that can uplift and sustain us during challenging times.
The book of Ruth holds little back from us in describing the trauma thrust upon Naomi. Having been forced to leave their home because of a famine, her family moved to a foreign land. Sometime after their move, her husband dies, followed by her two sons. All of this in the first chapter of the book. She is now left with two daughters-in-law and decides to return home.
Naomi encourages her daughters-in-law to return to their parent’s families in hopes that they will have a chance to rebuild their lives. Naomi has no way to care for them and, in reality, has little way of caring for herself. She is too old to rebuild her family. Through tears, Orpah takes Namoi up on the offer, but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi’s side.
The first thing we see that leads to Naomi’s transformation is Ruth refusing to leave her. In one of the book’s most famous lines, Ruth declares, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16-17). Naomi has found someone who will stick with her no matter the pain and difficulty life throws at them.
It seems simple enough, but the story’s reality is that Ruth is giving up her future to stay with Naomi. Naomi has no way of providing for them. She has no other sons to give to Ruth as a husband (this would have been the ancient custom), and they are returning to where Ruth would be a foreigner, and no one would be willing to marry her. Even so, Ruth is willing to give everything up so that Naomi will not be left alone. We all need someone who sticks with us.
Once they return to Israel, some of Naomi’s old acquaintances notice her. Being gone for ten years and having to deal with the loss of her husband and sons has changed her. When they ask, “Can this be Naomi?” (Ruth 1:19). “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara,” she answered, “for the Almighty has made me very bitter” Ruth 1:20-21).
Her name means “pleasant,” but that is no longer who Naomi is. Instead, Mara, meaning bitter, is who she has become, going even as far as to blame God for her situation.
As shocking as that might be to some churchgoers, this becomes a turning point in Naomi’s life. We all need courage and honesty about how we are feeling. If we can’t be honest, we can’t be open to a solution. Anger, discouragement, and depression all blind us to the possibilities that could be present in our lives. These intense emotions prevent those sticking with us from being able to help us.
The Psalms and the prophets are full of people’s honest frustrations with God. They tell Him of their pain, disappointment, and wondering where He is. It is from this place of honesty that possibility can grow.
Fortunately, upon returning to Israel, Ruth finds herself gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. Boaz, acting with great kindness, instructs his workers to leave extra grain for Ruth to collect and even provides her with a meal. His generosity becomes a lifeline for Naomi and Ruth, demonstrating the power of unexpected kindness during challenging times.
First, Boaz tells his workers to leave her alone, then to “accidentally” drop some extra grain so that Ruth harvests more. He makes a meal for her and gives her extra to bring to Naomi. Boaz is an example of extreme kindness. In the end, he creates a way for Ruth and Naomi to be cared for. He pays for the land that Naomi received because of her husband’s death, and he marries Ruth.
The book of Ruth is a powerful reminder that God’s love can reach us through unexpected channels. Even in the midst of your deepest pain, keep an eye open for the ways He might be working in your life. Remember, He sees you, and He cares.
Learning to Live 