Besides what I discovered in Ruth, those Psalms expressing fellings of abandonment found resolution too.
For example:
When Psalm 13 asked How long must I have sorrow in my heart? It closed with I will sing the Lord’s praises for he has been
good to me.
Job’s book of undeserved suffering ends with this: “The Lord
blessed the latter part of Job’s life More than the former part...” Can you imagine the rest of your life being
better than the first part ? I sure couldn't but it happened to Job, so it could happen to me and you!
And Jesus’s death on the cross? Read Isaiah 53 because He
sufferings had surprising outcomes and you and I are the ones who benefit if we believe. He suffered there for me—and you. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried
our sorrows… he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our
iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his
wounds, we are healed.” Would I deny that peace and love and the healing and
life he offers by continuing to look at the false picture of abandonment? What
about you today?
Additionally, when I found myself sitting at a Bible conference center two weeks
after my daughter's wedding, God melted all my doubts away when I heard this simple
truth which I’d forgotten in the heaviness of grief---
But not only is Ruth a survival guide for widows, and the entire Bible our guidebook for life, but Ruth shows us the bigger picture too. Did you know Ruth pops up again in the Bible? We find her in Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, and again in Revelation, the last book where her lineage--the Root of Jesse--is mentioned. From the Old Testament to the New, God's Word leads us right up to edge of eternity, a scenic overlook. I can't wait to show you the "scenery" tomorrow!
Until then, I know this might be a difficult holiday for you with an empty chair at your table this year. But that doesn't mean it can't be blessed in other ways. Remember, He is with us! So please "turn on your headlights" today look for the mercies God sends your way. Have a lovely Thanksgiving.
Heb. 13:5 - Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.God is with us! That truth renews me every day! Remember it with Christmas coming and every time you hear the Christmas name for Jesus---Emmanuel---God is with us!
But not only is Ruth a survival guide for widows, and the entire Bible our guidebook for life, but Ruth shows us the bigger picture too. Did you know Ruth pops up again in the Bible? We find her in Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, and again in Revelation, the last book where her lineage--the Root of Jesse--is mentioned. From the Old Testament to the New, God's Word leads us right up to edge of eternity, a scenic overlook. I can't wait to show you the "scenery" tomorrow!
Until then, I know this might be a difficult holiday for you with an empty chair at your table this year. But that doesn't mean it can't be blessed in other ways. Remember, He is with us! So please "turn on your headlights" today look for the mercies God sends your way. Have a lovely Thanksgiving.
♥ ferree
