According to Abraham Maslow, there are five needs that explain human motivation. They are physiological, safety, love and belonging, self-esteem and self-actualization. Maslow’s theory suggests that the most basic physical needs such as food, shelter, and safety must be met before people can advance to the psychological needs of love and belonging, self-esteem and self-actualization. In essence, people must satisfy the needs at the bottom of the rung before they are concerned with the higher-level needs.

After losing their husbands, Ruth and Naomi left Moab and traveled to Bethlehem to satisfy their physical and psychological needs. This was the focus of Wednesday Night Bible Study at First Timothy Baptist Church. Utilizing the book, Beyond the Sunday Sermon, Dr. Ronald Holmes’ message highlighted three key points from the text to remind us we can trust God in our time of physiological and psychological needs for (1) direction, (2) protection and (3) provision.

Dr. Holmes said that in this world our faith will be tested, and we must trust God for direction. The bible says in Psalm 37:23-24 respectively, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” In fact, the Lord is always directing the steps of his believers. Ruth became a believer who allowed the Lord to direct her steps and follow her mother-in-law Naomi to Bethlehem and work in the field in Bethlehem.

In point two, Dr. Holmes said we can trust God for protection even during a famine, pandemic or epidemic. God can protect us from dangers that are seen and unseen. The bible says in Psalm 91:5-6, “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” Remember, we experienced a pandemic in the U.S. and abroad. It was something we never experienced before, but the good news is, God protected us just as he protected Ruth in the field.

In the bible, Boaz said to Ruth in verse 2:8, “Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.” He also said to Ruth in verse 2:9,”Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? And when thou art thirsty, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.”

For point three, Dr. Holmes said we can trust God for provision because he can supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19). Ruth was amazed that Boaz showed her so much favor.  For example, Ruth 2:10 reads, “Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, why have I found grace in thine eyes, that you notice me, seeing I am a stranger.” Boaz responds to Ruth in verse 11. “It has fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.”

This story about Ruth, Naomi and Boaz demonstrates that we will experience troubles in our lives but if we are faithful and obedient to God, he will guide us, protect us and provide for us. He will satisfy our physical needs as well as our psychological needs.

The next bible study is on September 18 at 7:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. (EST). The lesson is, “The Power of Hope, Hope Heals” from the book, Beyond the Sunday Sermon. The book can be purchased online from Amazon.com. To virtually attend the bible study, go to the First Timothy Baptist Church’s website, YouTube or Facebook.

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of 27 books and publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper. His books for children cover topics on the coronavirus, solar system, flowers, careers and school bullying.  His books for adults focus on religion, relationships, hazing, workplace bullying, bipolar disorders, issues in education and completing the dissertation.