DATE: Thursday 16 April 2026
TOPIC: “CLINGING BY FAITH”
TEXT: Ruth 1: 1 – 8
MEMORY VERSE: “And again, they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi” – Ruth 1:14 – NLT.
When tragedy strikes, particularly in this case of the loss of dear ones-and in quick successions too; we are wont to ask God very pointed questions, make statements out of grief like Job did (Job 7:15-16 & 20-21). Our humanity never fully understands the entire picture of God’s will and purpose which sometimes are incongruent with ours as are also His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
At these times, a deeper “knowing” by faith (James 1:2-6) profits us when our minds, emotions, outside and inner voices cause us even deeper sorrow. In the text above, Ruth demonstrated AN ALIGNMENT by Faith; though a gentile, by clinging to Naomi when common sense did not see or reason why (Ruth 1:11-15), BUT faith did by her confession (Ruth 1:16-17).
Ruth taught us some lessons about clinging by Faith: first, clinging through our service to God as response to His goodness to us (Deut. 10:20-22). second; when challenges, trials and tribulations come, He is The Anchor to our souls, both steadfast and sure (Heb. 6:18-19). Thirdly, we cling by Faith: Trusting and following even when we do not understand (Ps. 63:8; John 6:60,66-68) with the confidence that He does not only know the way, He is the way, He will not leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).
Lastly, we cling with our minds, will, emotions – subsuming our will under His; cling through daily Bible study and devotions and by so doing saying: LORD, I cling because you are my life (Deut. 30:20).
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to believe during dark periods of my life that You desire me to cling to You because You are my life; and ultimately rewards my diligence, Amen.