Week 4: Filling Up with Hope

Ruth 2:21-23

“Then Ruth the Moabite said, “He even said to me, ‘Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.’” Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.” So Ruth stayed close to the women of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.”

Naomi continues to hear good news and be filled with hope. Remember from previous readings…. Naomi knows who Boaz is, what he had done in the past and what he can do for her and Ruth’s future. When Naomi heard what Boaz said to Ruth and how he went above and beyond for her, Naomi’s hope grew stronger. Boaz doesn’t stop with his giving heart and Naomi is detecting more than his kindness shining through. She is sensing his love for Ruth. She is being filled to the brim with hope.

Shouldn’t we be filled with hope in the same way? Consider who our God is; what He has done for us; and what He says to us in His Word. We shouldn’t feel hopeless. Instead, we should “wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you (Psalm 33:20-22).”

Boaz gave in abundance over and over again. Our God does the same! And, because of our Mighty Provider, and the hope we have in Him, we can give out of the abundance God has given us.

For further reading: Romans 5:3-5; Psalm 33:20-22

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for abundant giving and hope. Let our eyes continue to see your mighty works and read your words that reveal your love for us. You give and speak in ways that are miraculous; and we don’t want to overlook them or forget about them. I pray that our hope and faith is centered in You and will continue to grow stronger each day. Fill us to the brim with hope AND let it overflow to others.

In your Son’s name I pray.