Love Like a Mother -- Naomi and RuthSample

Hope for the Empty-Handed

This is the point in the story where the reality of their dire situation sets in for Naomi and reveals her welling, yet understandable insecurities. Practically speaking, what did she now have to offer her daughters-in-law? What could Naomi do but send them off to their own homeland? Believing she was too old to remarry, Naomi could offer no provision; being childless she had no sons to give in marriage; being far from her own native home she had no community, family, or support to offer. Based solely on what could be seen, she believed God had turned His hand against her. In the pursuit of a better life, she found herself poured out and empty, void of the only things she had upon arrival in Moab. And at this moment, with all things considered, Naomi recognized the full extent of her insufficiency as a caretaker.

Where she was previously at odds with feeling unprovided for, she now had to face the daunting possibility of being a provider. In fact, it was even more difficult for her since she had to contend with being unable to provide. Keeping in step with her outward focus, Naomi was forced to look inward at what role she would play in the future of those she cared about. Though Naomi was not to blame for the tragedy that afflicted them, and though she owed her daughters-in-law nothing, by position, and by choice, she was still a mother and a mother's heartbeat within her. So apart from her blessing, she offered her daughters complete honesty and a choice. Twice Naomi urges Orpah and Ruth to “return home,” and three times she addresses them as “my daughters.” Recognizing that she was empty-handed, she emphasizes relationship more than separation but leaves both options on the table. Naomi translated a brutally honest but life-giving truth: though I am unqualified, empty-handed, and don’t have many answers, I will be here for you more times than you walk away.

When the overwhelming circumstances of life have you backed against a wall of insecurity, it can feel impossible to believe in something, or anything, beyond what you see in front of you. It is in these moments of darkness that faith comes in and shines brightly. But even if (and especially if) belief in yourself isn’t an option, what you can do is turn outwards and upwards. It's time to shed the heavy burden that says; "I need to hold the proof for a better future in my own hands." Allow this weight to slide off your shoulders and surrender this false expectation to God, who can deliver you. Where your own abilities fail, God fills the gaps and everything in between. In all the ways you can’t, He can. He qualifies the unqualified, equips the unequipped, and heals the broken-hearted.

There is freedom in this honesty, and Jesus Himself knew it:

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31 NIV)

The truth is that the very essence of the Gospel is based on absolute need. I cannot do this, but I know one who can. I cannot save myself. Abiding in His word is acting upon the need you cannot hope to fulfill in the only way you can: asking God for help that only He can provide.

Throughout this passage, Naomi is distraught, angry, and certainly ashamed of what she lacks. She acknowledges provision as something entirely dependent on the LORD’s hand. By accepting His power to take away, she unknowingly suggests that He also has the power to give. As a result, this truth allowed Naomi to be set free from the pressure to produce. Truthfully, it was never a burden she should or could carry. In yielding to her need, and being honest about her inability, she humbly invites the Source of all provision to enter the scene and radically transform their circumstances. And even as Orpah chooses to go back to her people and her gods, the God that Naomi serves is preparing to show up for Ruth in an incredible way.

Think about these questions for your own life: What do you lack? What insecurities do you work hard at keeping concealed? Who are you looking towards to provide whatever it is that you lack? What burden of provision do you need to be set free from? How can you let go of your unrealistic expectation of being the source of something you cannot provide? What will you do this week as a response to what God is speaking to your heart?