Ruth 1:12-16 (ESV)
Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.” Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return 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 chapter one begins with informing us that Naomi and her husband had moved to Moab because of a famine. While there, both of Naomi’s sons married Moabite women. Then Naomi’s husband passed away. Ten years after they married, the sons passed away and Naomi was left with her two daughters-in-law! This is where we are introduced to Ruth.
Traumatic experiences and life difficulties are different for each of us, and while it isn’t healthy to compare our circumstances to those around us, doesn’t it just seem like some people (or yourself) can’t catch a break sometimes? I am sure Naomi felt this way! Most often when we are going through the hardest parts of life, however, is when we see God show up in powerful ways.
Going through continued heartbreak and loss, I am inspired by how determined Ruth was to stick with Naomi despite everything that had happened. Naomi believed Ruth could have had a different, better life. Naomi encouraged Ruth to go back home and try to remarry, but Ruth wouldn’t leave Naomi to live alone.
Are you going through one of these hard times right now? Maybe you are looking to God, trying to see His faithfulness and companionship, or maybe God is calling you to be used in someone’s life to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them at this time. Are you willing to look beyond your circumstances to see how God will use you or teach you?
If you haven’t heard it, listen to the song “God Really Loves Us,” by David Crowder. There is a line where he says: “I’ve got a friend, closer than a brother…oh how He loves me.” Find peace and encouragement knowing that you are not forgotten, not abandoned, and not alone – God is there, He is listening, and He loves you.