Joy and Gladness

Ruth 4:13-15

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you then seven sons, has given birth to him."

What a happy time for this family! God continues to pour out His grace and blesses Ruth and Boaz with a healthy son. Warren Weirsbe says, "He would use this baby to be a blessing to many: to Boaz and Ruth, to Naomi, to Bethlehem, to Israel, and to the world. Obed was a "restorer of life" to Naomi."

God brought many great blessings out of Naomi's tragedies. In this scripture the women even said, Ruth has been greater than "seven sons" or an abundance of heirs. Throughout these tough times we have covered in Naomi's life, she has continued to trust God. It hasn't always looked pretty and at times has been such a struggle for her. I can imagine the "wrestle with God" she felt as she was trudging through all the shattered dreams . Just like we sometimes experience, this was NOT how she had imagined her life. We have watched as she hung on to her faith and muddled through so much. We have seen how iN HIS TIMING , He blessed her greatly. Even in our own sorrow and calamity, God has the ability to bring great blessing ..... so hang on with the" faith of a mustard seed" and trust in Him remembering His timing is going to be different than ours and always better.

This may be a good reminder for us to celebrate LIFE! Just as Naomi's friends were joyful with her, we too can be joyful with each other over the little ones that are in our own personal lives (whether children, grandchildren, or friends). They are true gifts from the One Who Gives Life. So today, please join me in celebrating the gift of life we have so graciously been given.

For further reading: Psalm 100; Psalm 127: 3-4;

Mark 10: 13-16

Most Gracious and Giving Father,

We come to you today with grateful hearts for the life you give to us and all around us. "Know that the Lord , he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!" (Psalm 100:3-4). Even in a season of hardship that some of us may be in now, we lift our hands up in praise that You are God Almighty.Thank You for new life we see in the little ones You give to us and our friends. Thank You for this story of Ruth that we may clearly see devistation transformed to abundant life. Amen