Chapter 28. Famous People Who Suffered
Loneliness And Depression
Other Biblical Characters Who Evidenced Signs Of
Depression And Loneliness
Naomi, Ruth and Orpah - Women of the Bible
Christian singles, Ruth was the lady who clung to her destiny. She
inherited a family by marriage. The family line was no ordinary one for out
of it came Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
Ruth was born a Moabite (or Gentile) yet her faithfulness led her to a
greater inheritance. She clung unto that which was good. Neither
circumstances nor things past were able to hinder her from laying hold of
that which was more precious.
Ruth's life is a picture of the born-again Christian. We are born again
by faith. We all have to make a choice to walk with God. Do you cherish what
you have inherited in Christ more than the world and all it has to offer?
Ruth chapter 1
Famine had driven Naomi and her husband Elimelech with their two sons out
of Judah to the heathen land of Moab. There is no indication that they were
led by God to leave. We can only assume that circumstances urged them to
leave. Something that both Abraham had tried and regretted (Genesis 12: 10 -
20) and Isaac had been warned against (Genesis 26:1-5).
Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died in Moab. Naomi, whose name means 'my
delight' must have been shattered. Naomi's two sons married Moabite women
called Orpah and Ruth. Tens years later, and without any children, the two
sons die. Naomi is left with two daughter in laws. This seems to be tragedy.
When Naomi hears that the famine in Judah has retreated she decides to
return to Judah. She asks her two daughter in-laws to leave her. Orpah
kisses her and leaves while Ruth clings unto her and stays, returning with
her to Judah.
Ruth's commitment to her inheritance was real. She had every right to
have walked away like Orpah. However she had counted the cost and made up
her mind (Luke 14: 27 - 32). Have you made a commitment to continue in your
inheritance in Christ? Will you serve the Lord no matter what?
Ruth had no idea of the out come of her commitment. She was not to know
that Christ were to come from her descendants. In like manner we to have no
idea what rich rewards in heaven await us.
Naomi certainly had no clue of what was in store. On return to Bethlehem she
asks the people to call her Mara meaning 'bitterness'. This gives us some
ideal of what she had been through.
Questions for discussion
Why do bad things happen to good people?
What type of person do you think Ruth was?
How can we cope during times of great hardship?
Why should we remain committed to Christ?
Ruth Chapter 2
The story of Ruth is one of godly character. The decisions we make in life
are decided by our character. A godly character will take you far. Ruth was
firmly committed to what she believed was right. Her thoughts and actions
were dictated by her commitment and character.
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