Returning to Hope

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025

Readings: Psalm 146:5–10 | Ruth 1:6–18 | 2 Peter 3:1–10

Ruth embodies a story of fierce loyalty forged in the ashes of loss. Naomi returns home shattered, convinced her story is over. Ruth, however, steps into the gap with courageous devotion, choosing presence over convenience. In our culture that sometimes treats relationships as disposable or temporary, Ruth models an inspiring counter‑cultural love that refuses to abandon the wounded.

2 Peter 3:1–10 and Psalm 146:5–10 lift this theme from personal faithfulness to divine faithfulness. God is not slow in fulfilling His promises; He is patient, merciful, and deeply committed to justice. Even when circumstances whisper despair, God is moving history toward restoration.

Advent reminds us that hope is not passive optimism, it is the persistent belief that God is writing a better story than the one we can currently see. Like Ruth, we are called to walk toward God’s future even when the path is unclear. Like Naomi, we are invited to discover that God has not abandoned us, even when grief clouds our vision. Today’s readings anchor us in a hope that returns, restores, and reawakens courage.

Devotional Prompts:

• Where do you identify more, with Naomi's exhaustion or uncertainty? Or with Ruth, choosing commitment in the face of hardship?
• How does God’s patience in 2 Peter challenge your expectations of God’s timing?
• Where might you be invited to embody faithful presence in someone’s life this week?

Prayer:
God of returning hope, walk with us in our places of uncertainty. Strengthen us with the courage of Ruth and the trust of your promises. Renew our hearts with your restoring presence. Amen.