As we continue our Advent series in the book of Ruth, we are reminded that God is providential over every detail of our lives. This truth can particularly comfort us as we approach Christmas. This year you might be struggling with being far from home for the holidays. Maybe this year, you find yourself worrying comments from family members about still being single. Perhaps your family struggled financially this year and you’re just not sure what you’re going to do. No matter what struggles you’re facing right now you can be sure that God is purposeful in all He does. Sometimes, we just need to be reminded to trust Him.

In the story of Ruth, we are given many reasons to trust in God. In Ruth 2, we find that God providentially placed Ruth in a “random” field for His purposes. In that random field, God provided for her through the kindness and generosity of a man named Boaz. Through Boaz, God protected Ruth, supplied her with an abundance of food, and comforted her heart. In all of this, God was working out a master plan of redemption, one that readers become more aware of as the book unfolds.

God loves and cares for His children. He is generous and faithful to us. Even though it can be hard to see at times, we have been richly blessed by God. He has given us His Son, Jesus Christ. The gift of Jesus alone should compel us to give thanks and gratitude every single day. Not only has He given us His own Son, but He has also given us the gift of family, friends, the church, food, shelter, clothing, and so much more! Because of what God has done for us and is doing for us, we have great hope. As we look ahead to Christmas this year, let’s be encouraged by God’s kindness and generosity to us. Let’s rejoice in the hope we have and let’s share this hope with the weary world around us.

Resources:

Reflection Questions:

How can Ruth’s story renew your confidence in God’s faithfulness?
Why do you think God has placed you where He has?
How can you share the hope we have with the weary world around us?

Weekly Worship Playlist

Hope for a Weary World - Ruth 2:1-23