But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the LORD has turned against me.” Ruth 1:11-13
How easy it is for us to become angry at God because we feel that God has turned against us!? How easy it is for us to be like Naomi and want to change our names because the Almighty has dealt bitterly with us!? (Ruth 2:20) Naomi thought that there was no hope for her, but God proved otherwise. She had lost so much but God did not abandon her.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, the story of Naomi and Ruth is a story full of tragedy, loss, and fear. Maybe that’s why we like it so much because we can see ourselves within the story. Naomi tried to push the young widows away, but Ruth would not leave her. Give us the wisdom to trust and obey your Word and Spirit, even when all hope seems lost. Remind us that your ways are not our ways. (Is. 55:8) Renew us through your redeeming grace and compassionate love. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Amen.
