The book of Ruth in the Old Testament portrays many facets of the grace and provision of God to both Ruth and Naomi. The record of their lives provides analogies for our journey with the Lord.
Naomi was a grieving widow after the death of her husband, but plunged into another measure of grief following the death of her two sons also. At this stage of her journey, enshrouded in dark emotions, she blamed God for the circumstances she was enduring. Ruth 1: 20 Naomi says to her daughters-in-law, “Do not call me Naomi (Pleasant), call me Mara (Bitter), for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me”.
Naomi had no idea at this stage of the provision God had made for her future, or that Ruth would be a key part of it. How easy it is to blame God for circumstances beyond our control. God, in His foreknowledge, had a great plan in place to bless both Naomi and Ruth. As we continue to read the record of their lives, we note the plan unfolding in an amazing providential way.
When we are going through dark times or difficulties, instead of blaming God, it is time to encourage ourselves in His faithfulness to bring us through. God’s word declares: “I know the plans I have for you, plans to bless you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”, Jeremiah 29:11. Until I learn to worship God and continue to trust in His faithfulness in adverse situations, I will never truly discover the “treasures of darkness”, Isaiah 45:3. Naomi learnt, in hindsight, of God’s wonderful plan of provision. How much greater, and more precious to the Lord, is to continue to love and trust Him when life presents difficulties. God always has a plan to bless His children. He is a loving Father. If you have not experienced His love in this way, it is because you have not really known Him, but you can! His desire is that you get to know His unfailing love and provision for you. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened unto you…..”, Matthew 7:7-8
As we continue to read both Ruth and Naomi’s life story, we see God’s plan of provision unfold. Boaz, Naomi’s relative, is a wealthy landowner. He notices Ruth gleaning the leftovers in his field after the harvesters. He tells his workers to leave “handfuls of purpose” for her to pick up. As we reflect on our own lives, how many handfuls of purpose have we received from our Father’s loving hand of provision?
Ruth and Naomi’s record is contained in the 4 chapters of the book of Ruth. Just 4 chapters, and yet, a treasure trove of lessons to be learnt from their pilgrimage. Eventually, Boaz marries Ruth and they have a son, Obed. (Obed was David’s grandfather and in the geneology of Joseph, Mary’s husband, although Mary’s immaculate conception was by the Holy Spirit).
Naomi had never imagined that her life would be restored to such a degree of pleasure. Naomi rejoiced when Ruth gave birth to Obed. As she held him in her arms, the women around Naomi said: “He shall be to you a restorer of your life and a nourisher of your old age…….”, Ruth 4:15.
May we all continue our journey, acknowledging the grace of God on our lives, with thankful hearts for His “handfuls of purpose”.
Photo by Anna Barabanova on Unsplash