A Reminder That Joy Will Come Again After the Hardship - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - October 20, 2026

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The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”—Ruth 4:14-15 

I pull the blanket over my head, place my hands over my ears, and say “la la la…” out loud during torture scenes in action movies. My husband pulls the blanket off my head when the scene is over, and I always ask, “What did I miss?” See, I prefer to skip the gruesome, graphic parts, but I know important details get revealed in the middle of those hard scenes that I need to understand the plotline fully. As much as I hate those scenes where the bad guy has the upper hand, I know the redemptive parts, the good endings I love, can’t happen when there is nothing to redeem. We all go through seasons when we wish we could hide under a blanket and have someone let us know when the hard part is over. What I’ve learned is that I can’t fully feel the radiance of His joy if I am hiding. I must bravely do the work of learning the lessons God has in store for me during my seasons of sorrow. Trusting God with all the details, especially the difficult ones, sets the stage for Him to do His best work.

Right from the start of Ruth 1, we are introduced to Naomi’s sorrow. Famine drove her and her family from their homeland; her husband died, and then both her adult sons passed away. In a patriarchy, Naomi, as a woman, now had no support and no status. She decided to return to Bethlehem. Naomi encouraged her two daughters-in-law to return home to their Moabite families, but Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law, stating, “Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth bravely chose an uncertain, unknown path by placing her faith in the one true God. The two women arrived in Bethlehem, and some ladies noticed Naomi. She now says to call her Mara, which means bitter. “I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me” (Ruth 1:20-21).

Quick recap: Naomi, which means pleasant, becomes Mara, which means bitter. Her life was full, and now it is empty. The first chapter of Ruth is certainly not a feel-good story. I’m tempted to just flip forward a couple of pages to get to the redemptive ending, the reminder that joy will come again after the hardship. But right there in the last sentence of chapter one, God gives us a little hint that He is setting the stage for some of His best work. Verse 22 mentions that the barley harvest is beginning in Bethlehem. A harvest is a sign of God’s faithfulness and provision. He placed the field owner, Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, in Ruth’s path while she was gleaning barley. Then fast-forward a bit, and spoiler alert: they get married and have a son, Obed, who happens to be King David’s grandfather. Bitterness is replaced with joy, and that is one redemptive ending!

Sweet Friend, are you waiting for your happy ending? Are you walking through hardship, wishing you could fast-forward to your breakthrough? In this challenging season, I encourage you to pay attention to the details in your story, because trials are training grounds. Let this hardship bring you closer to your Savior and grow your dependence on Him. He is sowing seeds in your faith and planting a harvest of abundant provision. You may not see it now, but God will provide a way out of this crushing season. In Him, we can have everlasting joy no matter what our circumstances. God is in the business of redemption, restoration, and wildly happy endings.

Let’s Pray…

Dear God,
You know that I am caught in the middle of a hard season. I can’t see two inches in front of me, much less the path forward, and I need You to guide me. In my weakness and exhaustion, may I find rest and peace in You. I am trusting You with today and every day after. I pray for the promises of Psalm 23 over my life. I know You will lead me beside still waters, refresh my soul, guide me along the right path, protect me, and comfort me. With Your help, I will persevere and endure through this trial. I will come out on the other side of these sorrows with a joy that can’t be contained. I love you.
Amen.

What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.

Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 5 Comforting Psalms for When We Worry: A Guided Reflection Journal

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Julia_Sudnitskaya

Darcie Fuqua is an Auburn Grad (War Eagle!), Youth Director, Christian writer, and mental wellness advocate. She is from the deep south of Alabama, where she currently resides with her husband, two energetic, fun-loving boys, a beautiful niece, and a dog named Cinnamon. She loves sinking her toes in the sand, cuddling with her boys, and having great conversations over a table of good food. You can read more of her writing at www.leightonlane.com and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram. 

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