Annica Liu—Vancouver, Canada

Within ten short years of Naomi and her family leaving Bethlehem for the land of Moab, three key members of her household had passed away—her husband, and both of her sons. Naomi was left desolate, in a foreign land with no financial support. Her future was bleak. The depth of sorrow in Naomi’s heart was reflected in her lament: “I went out full, and the LORD has brought me home again empty” (Ruth 1:21a).

While the Book of Ruth describes this tragic tale, it also conveys a wondrous story of return and restoration. From Naomi’s return to the promised land, we learn how turning back to the Lord can bring us both physical and spiritual restoration.

Where Have We Turned?

When a famine fell on Judah, Naomi and her family decided to do what seemed most rational under the circumstances—leave Bethlehem and find food elsewhere. But instead of finding themselves better off, this move signaled the beginning of their woes.

Today, we may not have physically turned away from God or left His church, but our hearts may have departed from Him. At life’s crossroads or in difficult situations, we may make similar choices as Naomi and her family. When we find ourselves in need, it is difficult to reject an imminent solution to the challenges surrounding us.

Rather than turning to God and trusting in the promises of His care, we turn to what is most logical and readily available: the might and promises of men. Similar to how the Israelites relied on the chariots and armies of Egypt in their battles against other nations (Isa 31:1–3), we may rely on other, more practical, methods to solve our needs.

However, at this time, we must extend our eyesight to the spiritual realm and consider God’s will and purpose for us. We must turn our hearts to fully rely on God, and wait for His timing. In choosing to remain steadfast in our hope in God, we give ourselves the opportunity to experience the full extent of His might and power. 

An Urge to Return

The sorrow-filled years away from God took their toll on Naomi. At a certain point, she realized that Moab was no longer the place she wanted to be in. She had travelled to the land of Moab with hope, yet the land had emptied her hands of all that she had. What could she possibly do, now that all her hope and security were gone?

When Naomi heard that God had visited His people and given them food again, she felt an urge to return. But she could have also struggled with discouraging thoughts: I have to make the journey back by myself; it’s not safe. What will people think or say about me? They will ridicule me! Is there anywhere else I can go? What if I just stayed behind?

For those of us who are considering turning our hearts and footsteps back to God, these very same doubts and concerns may intimidate us. But we must consider further: Are we currently in a place where we want to remain? Or do we feel empty, tormented, and deprived of joy in our souls? Do we truly want to wait until we reach rock bottom, and have no other choice, before we are willing to return to God?

As Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (emphasis added). Regardless of how or why we may have turned away from God, returning to Him is the only way we can find true satisfaction, fulfillment, and restoration of life. 

It may seem easier to remain in our current state, or find other ways out, but these are only temporary fixes to our problems. Just as Naomi had to leave her life in Moab behind and bravely face her fears, so do we. Things will only deteriorate if we do not make that change, and the longer we delay, the more harm we will do to ourselves.

The Restoration

It took courage and resolve for Naomi to return home. In fact, upon her return, some of her fears came true as word spread throughout the entire city (Ruth 1:19). However, that soon passed.

What was greater and more enduring was God’s guiding hand, apparent throughout the remaining chapters of Ruth. God not only provided for Naomi’s physical needs by leading her daughter-in-law to the right person, place, and time (Ruth 2:3–4), but more importantly, He restored their family’s lineage through the son whom Ruth bore (4:10,15).

Today, what does this restoration mean to us? It means returning to a state of life; a state of joy; a state of strength—being able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13). Even if famine surrounds us, God will not forsake us. Even if we suffer hunger for a while, He will provide a way. But without God, the source of all good things, we will inevitably reach a state of emptiness. Therefore, let us turn our hearts towards Him and continue steadfastly in the hope of His salvation.

As for Naomi, she had gone out from the Lord full and returned home empty. Yet upon her return, the Lord blessed her with the fullness of joy and gladness. In addition, as she held her grandson to her bosom, next to her heart (Ruth 4:16), Naomi finally understood: the good Lord had truly restored her.

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;

You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. (Ps 30:11)