Last week we learned about the role of Forgiveness to overcome Learned Helplessness from Joseph.
This week we are going to discover Learned Optimism in overcoming Learned Helplessness.
Learned Optimism is the direct opposite of Learned Helplessness
Learned optimism is a powerful tool for improving your mental and emotional well-being. By adopting a more optimistic explanatory style and challenging negative thoughts, you can:
- increase your resilience,
- improve your problem-solving abilities, and
- enhance your overall life satisfaction.
The practice of learned optimism encourages you to see setbacks as opportunities for growth and to approach life with a positive, hopeful mindset.
The Message
The story of Ruth is rich with moments that illustrate her learned optimism, faith, and perseverance.
Background:
The Book of Ruth is a story from the Hebrew Bible that centers on the themes of loyalty, faith, and redemption. It follows Ruth, a Moabite woman who, after the death of her husband, chooses to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, rather than return to her own people. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi leads them back to Bethlehem, where Ruth works in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi. Boaz, impressed by Ruth’s loyalty and kindness, eventually marries her, ensuring the family’s lineage and providing for their future. The story ends with Ruth becoming the great-grandmother of King David, highlighting God’s providence and the inclusion of Gentiles in His plan.
Ruth’s Decision to Stay with Naomi
Ruth 1:16-17:
“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. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.’”
Cross-References:
Joshua 24:15: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
- Ruth’s declaration mirrors the choice of the Israelites to serve the Lord, emphasizing the importance of choosing faith even in challenging circumstances.
Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
- Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi reflects the deep, selfless love and commitment described in this proverb.
Ruth’s Hard Work and Perseverance
Ruth 2:2-3:
“And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, ‘Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.’ Naomi said to her, ‘Go ahead, my daughter.’ So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.”
Cross-References:
Proverbs 31:17: “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
- Ruth’s initiative and hard work are similar to the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman, who is diligent and industrious.
Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- Ruth’s perseverance in gleaning the fields is an embodiment of this New Testament principle, showing that consistent, faithful work yields a reward.
Ruth Finds Favor with Boaz
Ruth 2:10-12:
“At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, ‘Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?’ Boaz replied, ‘I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.’”
Cross-References:
Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
- Boaz’s blessing to Ruth resonates with this psalm, as she has sought refuge under God’s wings, and God is beginning to provide for her.
Hebrews 6:10: “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
- Boaz’s recognition of Ruth’s deeds and his prayer for her reward reflect the truth that God honors and remembers our acts of love and kindness.
Ruth’s Approach to Boaz for Redemption
Ruth 3:9-11:
“‘Who are you?’ he asked. ‘I am your servant Ruth,’ she said. ‘Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.’ ‘The Lord bless you, my daughter,’ he replied. ‘This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.’”
Cross-References:
Ezekiel 16:8: “‘Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.’”
- Ruth’s request for Boaz to spread his garment over her is symbolic of protection and covenant, much like God’s covenant with Israel.
Proverbs 31:10-11: “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
- Boaz’s description of Ruth as a woman of noble character echoes the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman, highlighting her worthiness.
Ruth’s Blessing and Inclusion in the Lineage of David
Ruth 4:13-17:
“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 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.’ Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, ‘Naomi has a son!’ And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.”
Cross-References:
Matthew 1:5-6: “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.”
- Ruth’s inclusion in the genealogy of David, and ultimately Jesus Christ, underscores her legacy of faith and learned optimism.
Psalm 37:4: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
- Ruth’s story illustrates this promise, as her faithfulness and optimism led to God fulfilling the desires of her heart.
Conclusion
Ruth’s story is a profound example of learned optimism, as she faced significant challenges with faith, loyalty, and perseverance. These key scriptures, along with their cross-references, demonstrate how
- Ruth’s positive actions and trust in God led to blessings that extended far beyond her lifetime,
- including her role in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.
- Ruth’s life encourages us to remain faithful and optimistic, trusting that God is working through our circumstances for a greater purpose.