Day 2 Naomi’s
Times of Emptiness
read, Ruth
·
As a child have you ever been alone, lost, in a
strange place, or with people you did not know? How did you react?
·
How does Naomi view God in her situation? How
does her outlook affect her relationship with God and her sense of emptiness? Read, Ruth 1: 13 & 20-21
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Oftentimes when we face emptiness,
our sinful nature urges us to respond in detrimental ways, but sinful responses
to emptiness are merely a slippery slop to the very bottom of the pit.
·
What effect do these responses have on our
emptiness?
o
Lash out
o
Lock it all inside and pretend you’re fine
o
Sigh and mope a lot
o
Reject all offers of help, concern, and
compassion
o
Try to fill the emptiness by doing “stuff”
o
Reject God
o
Other:________________________________
·
Why did Naomi so persistently reject Ruth’s
desire to help? Why do we reject others’ help and concern?
·
When we respond sinfully, we need but one
thing—God’s merciful forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Record God’s faithfulness to
Naomi in spite of her sinful responses:
o
Ruth 1:22,
2:17-20, 4:9-10, 4:13-17
·
God never quit working His wonderful plan on
Naomi’s behalf. How might the words of Psalm 63 have helped Naomi to see God’s
faithful love in her life?
·
Share (if you wish) a time in your life when God
was faithful in spite of your unfaithfulness.
Pay attention this week at various ways you react to
emptiness. Ask God to forgive you for
responding to emptiness by turning away from Him and those He has provided to
help. Ask for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to what God is doing and has
done to show His faithful love.
Soak yourself in God’s love through His Word. Ephesians
3:16-21; Psalm 145:13-21; Psalm 146; Psalm 33
Write the words of 2 Timothy 2:13 on a card. Tape it to your
mirror as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Loved this! -Dana
ReplyDeleteYou can take these lessons as a guide and respnd to the questions in your journal. Or simply alow the Lord to lead you in your study of these scriptures and respond to God's message in your journal. Responding to these lessons here is optional. If you wish to be anonymous that is fine too. After this week this site will be closed to those who join, in order that more can feel open to share. Please share any comments or questions on the 'random' page. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy response to The book of Ruth.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I look at the big picture all too often, missing the details that make the picture possible. Sure I had read the book of Ruth, I have even read the kids version to my kids many times. I am thankful to have read it again in Scripture, this time focusing not only on Ruth, but on her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Ruth was not of the genealogy of Jesus. Naomi was. And Ruth who had been married to Naomi's son for some 10 years, never had a child. And she still chose to follow her mother-in-law not knowing what to expect. But rather putting her life in the hands of Naomi's God. Our God. (Ruth 13) So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the Lord enabled her to conceive and she gave birth to a son. (emptiness no more)
Ruth said to Naomi, "Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer."
In Naomi's grief, as she had lost her husband and sons. Naomi said, return home, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than it is for you, because the Lords hand has gone out against me! v14, at this they wept... but Ruth clung to her.
I don't believe God had gone against Naomi when he plainly had a plan for Naomi to be the great-great grandmother of King David. (And as we know Jesus came from the line of David)
We are to blame when we push others away. We are to blame when we try to push God away. God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. Although the trials may be unbearable at times, leaving us to feel empty inside. God said in Joshua 1:5b. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Read Joshua 1:6-9. 9b, "...Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."