We have several friends who have served in the military. One question I often ask them is, “Where have you lived, and how many times have you moved during your military career?” It’s also interesting when they share their packing tips. One couple told me that each family member was allowed one suitcase with everything they needed for the next month. Moving long distances is a tough challenge.
The Misfortune
In the opening chapter of the book of Ruth, we are introduced to a family: a husband, wife, and two sons. Due to a famine, they moved from Bethlehem to Moab. The family hoped to find a better life elsewhere. Over the next ten years, tragedy strikes. First, the husband, Elimelech, dies, leaving Naomi a widow. The two sons marry Moabite women. Tragically, each of Naomi’s sons also passes away (see Ruth 1:1-5).
Take a moment to reflect on Naomi’s situation—the famine in Bethlehem, the difficult journey to Moab, adapting to a new culture and environment, and losing her husband and two sons. We can understand her deep sorrow, distress, and heartbreak.
Life is full of challenging situations—illness, the loss of a family member, or losing a home or job. Moving or relocating can impact our physical, mental, and emotional health. The death of loved ones can also cause grief and emotional strain.
The Journey Back
Naomi heard that the rains had returned and that food was available again in Bethlehem. She decides to go back to her hometown, a long journey for a woman traveling alone. However, her two daughters-in-law insist on moving back with her. Soon, Naomi pauses along the way and asks Orpah and Ruth to return to their Moabite families. She reminds them that she can’t offer them a future in Bethlehem (see Ruth 1:8-9).
With sorrowful embraces, Orpah decides to return to her family in Moab. However, Ruth confidently declares her commitment to Naomi.
But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”
- Ruth 1:16-17
Ruth made a solemn vow to her mother-in-law, calling upon God’s punishment if she broke it. Naomi acknowledged her genuine resolve and determination. The two women continued their journey back to Naomi’s home in Bethlehem. How will these two widows survive the coming weeks and months?
“I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”
So, Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.
- Ruth 1:21-22
The New Beginning
Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem. The townspeople are amazed and gather around as the women of Bethlehem greet them. Naomi’s heavy heart is filled with sorrow and deep loss. She reminds them that she left Bethlehem with a husband and two sons, yet she returns “empty.”
In her next statement, she said that the Lord brought suffering and tragedy upon her. The Lord had not turned against this family; they chose to go to Moab. Hard times are part of our lives in this fallen world, but God is not vindictive toward His people. It’s the Lord’s desire for each of us to seek Him and surrender to His will for our lives.
Every time I read the final verse in chapter one, a smile comes to my face. As Naomi tells the women to call her “Mara” (bitter) because she has returned “empty,” the text also highlights the faithful, loyal woman standing with her—Ruth the Moabite.
Naomi was not alone. God was watching over her. He had arranged for the young Moabitess to travel with her. Their arrival in Bethlehem—during barley harvest—marked a new beginning.
Head to Heart
Writing down our thoughts can be a useful way to sort through different situations in life.
This is an acronym—FOCUS—that I have started using during my personal time with the Lord. Each simple truth helps me meditate on the Lord and lean into His Word for guidance, wisdom, and direction.
F – Faith
Heavenly Father, strengthen my faith. I believe You have a good purpose and plan for me.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
- Jeremiah 29:11
O – Open my eyes
I know I can completely trust You and depend on Your truth.
Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.
- Psalm 119:18
C – Concern
Write down the specific concern you’re facing today and bring it to the Lord in prayer.
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry.
- Psalm 40:1
U – Understanding
Lord, I come to You and humbly ask for Your understanding.
For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
- Proverbs 2:6
S – Seek Him
I seek the Lord’s strength each day.
Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek Him.
- Psalm 105:4
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