The most important decisions.

Day 4

Now Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

Ruth 1:3-5; 16

Decisions, decisions, decisions. While we are on the subject, they are difficult, aren't they? Maybe not so sometimes in simple, everyday issues. What should I cook for dinner? Do I turn left or right? Should I wear blue or beige? You get the point. Even though they make a difference, the consequences are not anything we can’t live without.

The important ones, though, are more difficult, as we saw yesterday. The consequences for those are a lot more important and always life-changing. Should I go to college or dive right into the workforce? If college, then which one? Should I marry this person? Should I buy a house?  Which one? What is my budget? More important still, should I become a follower of Christ? Or should I remain an atheist? Will I live a life of bitterness and despair? Or should I forgive and live free of that stronghold?

Important decisions take time, effort, and prayer to make. Others are made on the fly. Either way, we cannot escape the consequences. They are always there. We should think about them. We should put in the effort of researching and doing everything in our power to make the right decision. And it is definitely a wise thing to pray about them.

But what about those times when we don’t have the time or resources to do these things? Is it even possible to make a wise decision on the fly? Is it possible to overthink a decision?

Verse 16 gives us another decision; one made on the fly. Ironically, the one that would change the course of the world forever. Ruth decided to go with Naomi regardless of the consequences. The beauty of it is that she was very aware of the reality of it. Yet, it didn’t matter. Why? Because her mind had been made up ahead of time that Naomi’s God would be her God and her people, her people. Therein lies the difference! Ruth had learned enough from Naomi about her God that whatever the results, they would be so much better than the alternative. Who knows what awaited her if she went home!

God is always the sure thing. Christ is always the best alternative, the best decision. Have you made it yet? #getittogethergirl

God, I give you my life. I want the God of Naomi to be my God. I want the Jesus on the cross to be my guide for every other decision in my life. Lead me to the peace that surpasses all understanding as I make my way in this messed-up world. Although there might be chaos around me, let me know that whichever way I go, you are there beside me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

My reflections:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:29-30

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