“We’re moving where?”

My husband’s school has caused us to move to some rather isolating places. Right after getting married, we moved across the country to this tiny town that had one coffee shop, and everyone knew everyone, but nobody knew us. A few years later, we moved to an even smaller, tinier town that took us away from the community we had taken years to cultivate. Sometimes I’ll chat with friends back home, and it feels isolating to hear about all the opportunities and community they have as their life and social circles continue without me.

Thinking about moving all around reminds me of Ruth, one of my absolute favorite people in God’s Word. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi throughout incredibly challenging circumstances showcases hope during isolating and lonely times. The way that Boaz welcomes Ruth in to work in his field and invites her to eat with his workers provides Ruth with nourishment not just for her body, but for her soul. As she pursues Boaz, he blesses her for her kindness in seeking him, which ultimately brings him into even deeper community. Throughout this story, God works and changes the isolation and loneliness of His people into hope for the future as they become integral figures in the lineage of Jesus!

In the beginning of Ruth, we read about all these options that Ruth could have placed her hope in. She could have placed her hope in marriage and gone husband-hunting. She could have placed her hope in the familiarity and community of her people and remained in Moab. However, Ruth chooses to hope in the God of Israel and journey to Bethlehem. Her actions echo the inspired words of her great-grandson David in Psalm 39, “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” (Psalm 39:7) Earlier in the psalm, David asks God to show him how “fleeting” his life is (Psalm 39:4). Isolation and loneliness, while real and important, are part of a fleeting life that will pass away. Our true identity and hope are wrapped up in Jesus, and He alone is eternal – the Alpha and Omega of all (Revelation 22:13).

Whether you’re feeling surrounded by community or you feel all alone, let the story of Ruth and the cry of David minister to your heart. For us as believers, hope is not just an exciting opportunity or successful story; Hope Himself came to earth to ensure we would have eternal community with Him. No matter where you move or what you do, you are known and loved by our true Hope, King Jesus (see Psalm 139). Praise God for Immanuel!