“Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, ‘My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?'” – Ruth 3:1
Thundering, curling, and crashing, ocean waves enthrall me. I never tire of the ocean’s sound or smell. Though I hated the hot sun as a child–my mom possesses pictures to prove it–now I can’t seem to get enough. For me, relaxing on the beach with an engrossing book provides blissful contentment: REST. Avid anticipation fills me as I look forward to sitting on the sand this summer. Only a few weeks to go …
Whatever would we do without rest? Life’s increasing busyness has afforded me a deeper appreciation for even just moments of it. But seasons of rest–oh, those incomparably satisfy and refuel us.
Interestingly, Ruth 3:1 speaks of “security,” which can alternately be defined as “rest”. If anyone needed rest, Ruth surely qualified. Living in a foreign country with her mother-in-law, Naomi, this young widow gleaned grain after reapers went through the fields. Undoubtedly the relentless sun bore down on her, yet she diligently worked so she and Naomi could eat. Day-to-day food supplies resulted from sweat and labor–Walmart or Food Lion didn’t exist in the land of Judah. Unpredictable and exhausting, Ruth’s life looked bleak … until Naomi offered to “seek security” for her. And as this beautiful, Biblical love story reveals, the older but kindhearted Boaz redeemed Ruth. They joyfully married and God generously blessed them with a son, Obed, grandfather of King David. Because Boaz redeemed Ruth, she was spared from further struggle to survive. His love and care presented her with precious security. Ruth could rest.
Just as God wrote Ruth’s story, He’s writing ours. He’s not alarmed when we face fearful, unknown circumstances. His strength makes us secure. He doesn’t wonder how He’ll provide. He just does. He doesn’t waver in His love–we are His chosen, holy, and beloved ones (see Colossians 3:12). We’re never alone with the Lord by our side.
Because Jesus Christ redeemed us with His inestimable blood, we can rest in Him. Today and forever. Amen.
“He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” – Psalm 91:4