“If there be any value in scaling the mountains, it is only that from them one can behold the plains.” —G.K. Chesterton
Those sentiments resonate. I’ve climbed some mountains during my lifetime—some real and some metaphorical. Pressing on ever higher can be hard and lead to suffering. But at the peak we can catch a view of what’s been hidden, a beauty that’s now made plain. There we can rest and experience a mysterious peace and joy, finding that we’ve been enriched and awakened by the journey.
Ruth didn’t see the jagged, foreboding ridge at first. Life was good. But then, after just 10 years of marriage, her husband and brother-in-law died (Ruth 1:4-5). A mountain of pain and disappointment shadowed her path. Living in a patriarchal society, she felt alone and vulnerable.
The journey up the side of her mountain had begun with grief. Then, because Ruth’s mother-in-law heard that the land of Judah was ripe with good crops—something that could help sustain them—Ruth left her family and homeland. Loss upon loss. A final, difficult rise in the path appeared: Naomi told Ruth and her sister-in-law to go back to Moab and not to follow her, for she was also a widow. Tears flowed as Naomi kissed the girls goodbye (Ruth 1:9).
Ruth, however, stood tall on the mountain of pain and suddenly saw the “plains.” She saw what she should do—stay with Naomi and place her faith in God (Ruth 1:16). The journey up the peak had led to a mountaintop experience of knowing and embracing the God who loved her.
Like Ruth, you too may be facing problems that loom like jagged peaks. Keep staying the course with your eyes on Christ. Soon you’ll “behold the plains” . . . the good God has planned for you.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 1:1-11
More:
Read John 16:33 and see why we can experience peace even when mountains of pain come our way.
Next:
What painful challenge are you facing right now? What “plain” of hope and goodness is God bringing into view?
Gary Shultz on October 5, 2015 at 6:32 am
Is not the book of Ruth a joy to receive? Even though Ruth and Naomi were both rewarded a place of comfort, the story will not end there for the faithful. Our place of comfort may not be much of a reality on this earth, but hope of all hopes is Good’s promises. He who rules and dwells beyond and above this earth and extends His hand to live in His comfort. What a view we will get there. And you did fake me out, I expected our mountain climbing expert to be behind this story. Thanks
Tom Felten on October 5, 2015 at 9:36 am
Haha, sorry for faking you out, Gary. Yes, Russell Fralick is the true mountain climber on our writing team. I have had the joy to climb some peaks over the years—none too impressive, however. 🙂 Regarding Ruth, yes, what a treasure this book is—so much to be learned about God and His ways. Thanks for sharing!