Daily Devotional

“No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me!” (Ruth 1:13). 

Have you ever felt, because of the circumstances of your life, that you were being punished by God—but you weren’t sure why? Naomi felt this way after losing her husband and then her two sons. But although she didn’t understand, she didn’t turn away from the Lord. She held onto her faith. And, in spite of her own emotional suffering, she was very attentive to the needs of those around her. 

Although Naomi encouraged her daughters-in-law to return to their people, she must have been greatly comforted by Ruth’s insistence ongoing with her. And once they arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi did all she could to make a better future for her daughter-in-law. She wanted to find security for Ruth and coached her in locating and securing a kinsman-redeemer. 

When Ruth and Boaz were married, Naomi’s heart rejoiced as she saw the culmination of her efforts. And when their son was born, Naomi became his nurse and relished caring for him. The Bible says that the neighbour women named the baby Obed and said, “There is a son born to Naomi” (Ruth 4:17). Finally, Naomi’s joy was restored. 

Instead of giving in to her discouragement, Naomi just kept on trusting in the Lord. Instead of focusing on herself and her own problems, she found satisfaction in helping others. 

This fallen world is full of troubles, and sometimes God allows us to go through difficult circumstances, not to punish us, but to help us grow in Christian character. He wants us to learn to rely on Him in everything— even when things aren’t going as well as we would like. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” the Bible advises, “and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6). Will you trust Him to lead you today? 

My Lord, even when I don’t understand, help me to trust in You today and every day of my life.