“Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion—Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. 3 Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4 Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. 5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread.” Ruth 1:1-5 NKJV
Lord our provider,
Ruth happens during one of those times the land Israel had taken has rest. No war but famine. Th struggles of ordinary life, famine and need. We all have the normal struggles of life. Often we cannot see the whys. Naomi went with her husband to live in a land amongst a people she did not know. He died but she had her sons and they took wives from Moab. So she was provided for in her grief. Then after 10 years both her two sons died. Three women and no provision. She heard there was bread in Bethlehem and so looked to go home. She had survived the famine but suffered extreme loss.
We know that she still trusted in You because her daughter in law must have seen it in her, to be able to say, ‘Your God will be my God’ (Ruth 1:16). She was faithful to You despite her loss and her situation.
When we cannot see why, and when things happen that leave us stranded or full of grief help us to hold to You and not push You away. Sometimes it’s later we see good come out of it. Help us not to get stuck on the whys. In hindsight Ruth could see the good. She held that baby born to Ruth and Boaz. In hindsight we can see the family of King David and the lineage of Jesus . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 22nd March 2026
This worship song was written in 2019 and called a song of lament and hope. I have only just come across it and appreciate it.
Lord, from sorrows deep I call
When my hope is shaken
Torn and ruined from the fall
Hear my desperation
For so long I’ve pled and prayed
God come to my rescue
Even so the thorn remains
Still my heart will praise You
Storms within my troubled soul
Questions without answers
On my faith these billows roll
God, be now my shelter
Why are you cast down my soul?
Hope in Him who saves you
When the fires have all grown cold
Cause this heart to praise You
Should my life be torn from me?
Every worldly pleasure
When all I possess is grief
God be then my treasure
Be my vision in the night
Be my hope and refuge
‘Til my faith is turned to sight
Lord, my heart will praise You
Oh, my soul put your hope in God
My help, my rock, I will praise Him
Sing, oh, sing through the raging storm
You’re still my God, my salvation
Oh, my soul put your hope in God
My help, my rock, I will praise Him
Sing, oh, sing through the raging storm
You’re still my God, my salvation
Lyrics: Matt Boswell, Matt Papa