The Old Testament book of Ruth reminds of the reality of dark times, but also the reality of God’s hidden work of redemption during the worst of times. In the story, we read that Naomi suffers terrible loss and she wrongly concludes that God has judged and abandoned her. This reminds us of how easily we are prone to make wrong judgments about God during difficult times. In the story, we read that God brings two people into Naomi’s life to remind her of His faithful love and His promise of redemption. This story is a wonderful reminder to us when we think that God has abandoned us, or event turned against us, that the truth is, God remains faithful to us, and is working to bring great joy and happiness into our lives through His work of redemption.

Discussion Questions:

1. What negative thoughts do you tend to entertain about God and yourself when you are going through dark times? How can we learn to identify and reject these negative beliefs?

2. C.S. Lewis writes, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains.” What do you think God is trying to say to us in our pains?

3. How does the cross of Jesus prove to us that God is for us and not against and that He will never leave or abandon us? How does believing this help us in dark times? (see Romans 8:31-38)

4. The primary work of God in our lives is our redemption (Ephesians 1:7-8). How does this encourage us to remain faithful and hopeful during dark times?


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