She was at a crossroads of her life. It would be so easy to just give up. After all, this was not the dream she had for herself as a small girl growing up in Moab. For as long as she could remember, she wanted nothing more than to be a good wife and mother. Ruth counted herself fortunate to have met and married the young man named Kilion. He and his family had moved to Moab from Judah years before.
This family from Judah was very different from the families of her homeland. They had a faith in the one true God of Israel that was unshakable and a great source of personal strength. They were going to need that strength now. Everything had changed. Her father-in-law, brother-in-law, and now her own husband had died. She was a widow. Now what would she do?
The Old Testament story of Ruth is not only heartwarming and inspiring, but is a proclamation of how much God loves and cares for even the least of us. Ruth was not a great leader and she was not royalty; it is not even clear if she was a great beauty. A probable reason the story of Ruth is included in the Holy Bible is the fact that this incredible woman was determined to follow God.
At a time in her life when she could have very easily returned to her family of origin, and resumed her old life of idol worshiping as a Moabitess, she made the decision to join her mother-in-law, Naomi, and move to Judah. She had come the love the same God Naomi loved and served. Consequently, when Naomi suggested that Ruth stay in Moab instead of resettling in Judah, Ruth Said:
“Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16 NAS).
Perhaps you can relate to Ruth as she seeks to carve out a new life as a widow. Perhaps you are at a similar crossroads in your life as your journey of grief is requiring strength and faith that you never imagined you would have to have. Dear friend, our matriarch Ruth set an example that was pleasing to the heart of her Creator. She was determined to follow God. She was relentless in her pursuit of the life of faith that only the one true God could provide, and she never gave up the hope for a peaceful and productive life without her beloved husband. Despite the fact that this was not the life she had imagined, she purposed to go on and not go under.
Another important aspect of this story is that Ruth was not alone on her journey. She was with her mother-in-law Naomi. I can’t help but think about how much easier it was for Ruth to have someone with her who shared her faith. What a source of encouragement and sisterhood Naomi must have provided to the the young Ruth. I also have to think that Ruth was just as important to Naomi during this time. After all, Naomi was a widow herself who had just lost her son. She was also grieving, and I picture the two of them crying together and comforting each other.
I encourage you to read the story of Ruth for yourself and marvel at how God’s hand was at work in her life. God not only provided food for Ruth and Naomi during a time of need, but he provided Ruth with another husband, Boaz, who as as devoted to the heavenly Father as she was. In fact, Ruth and Boaz had a son named Obed. Obed had a son named Jesse. Jesse had a son named David. Yes, that is King David. And if you will read the first chapter of Matthew, you will see that it is through this lineage that we were given Joseph, the husband of Mary who was the Mother of Jesus. Aren’t you glad Ruth decided to go on and not go under?
Journaling Ideas
1. What has God provided for you?
2. What have you been hesitant to talk to God about?
3. Describe a time when you felt like going under but instead you went on.
Your Grieving Toolbox
Today’s tool for your toolbox is simple but one that will require some thought and discernment. I challenge you to surround yourself with women of faith as Ruth did. Make it a point to seek friends who are willing to pray for you and support you through your journey of grief. By the same token, prayerfully consider weeding out friendships that discourage you or distract you from following God.
Beloved of God, I pray that you will be comforted by the Lord your God who makes the clouds His chariot and walks on the wings of the wind. May the same God who sends springs into the valleys and gives drink to every beast of the field, provide you with strength and peace. I pray that the same God who planted the Cedars of Lebanon where the birds build their nests will provide friends for you of common faith. Amen (Based on Psalm 104)
originally posted at www.TakeRootandWrite.com
