Resting in Divine Assurance: Lessons from Ruth 3:18
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
The story of Ruth is one of profound loyalty, steadfastness, and divine providence. Nestled within the pages of this remarkable tale is Ruth 3:18, where Naomi instructs her daughter-in-law with the words, "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
In this moment, Naomi embodies wisdom and a deep understanding of the timing of God. After Ruth's bold yet honorable actions in the fields of Boaz, Naomi urges her to be still and wait for the outcome of the day’s events. This simple but profound instruction stands out, revealing a significant message about rest, trust, and the active work of God in our lives.
**Sit Still: The Call to Patience**
The phrase "Sit still" suggests a pause – a deliberate choice to refrain from rushing forward or forcing outcomes. In our fast-paced world, where immediate results are often expected, the Bible's call to stillness can initially feel counterintuitive. How often do we find ourselves in situations where we yearn for answers, but the only response we receive is silence? In these moments, we are invited to embrace stillness and cultivate patience.
Ruth's story teaches us that waiting is not a passive endeavor. Instead, waiting in faith means resting in the assurance that God is at work behind the scenes. Just as Ruth had done when she gleaned in the fields of Boaz, we are called to be diligent in our actions while simultaneously learning to trust the timing of God. It is a balance of faithful work and faithful waiting that leads to the fulfillment of His divine plan.
**Until Thou Know How the Matter Will Fall**
The hope embedded in Naomi's words is that there will come a time when clarity is attained. "Until thou know how the matter will fall" suggests that there is a resolution on the horizon. It reminds us of the biblical promise found in Romans 8:28 where Paul assures us, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Ruth's situation, like many of ours, was uncertain, filled with ambiguity and the potential for anxiety. Yet, Naomi directed her to trust that God would orchestrate the events according to His loving purpose. This serves as a timeless principle: while we may not have the answers today, we can find comfort in the assurance that God is working and that His plans unfold in perfect timing.
**For the Man Will Not Be in Rest**
Naomi's words also highlight an important truth about agency and divine work. When she speaks of Boaz, "the man will not be in rest," it conveys a sense of urgency and dedication. Boaz represents not only the figure of love and redemption in this narrative but also a reminder that God is actively involved in the situations that concern us. He does not sleep or slumber (Psalm 121:4); rather, He is weaving together the threads of our lives with intentionality.
As we rest in our waiting, we can trust that God is stirring hearts, opening doors, and crafting the resolution that we seek. Our role is not to fret or force our way, but to trust that as we sit still in His presence, He is at work completing the matters we so eagerly desire to know.
**Conclusion**
In moments of uncertainty, follow Ruth's example and Naomi's wisdom by practicing stillness. Allow this time of waiting to refine your faith and deepen your relationship with the Lord. Embrace the assurance that God is moving in ways that are often unseen and that in His perfect timing, He will reveal the next steps. Take comfort in the truth that you are not alone on this journey; God is with you, and in His steadfast love, He will bring all things to fruition for your good and His glory.
As you sit still today, may you feel the peace that surpasses all understanding and trust that the outcome, when revealed, will be a testament to His faithfulness.
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Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
Ruth 4:18 - "¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 1:18 - "When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her."
"¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron," - Ruth 4:18
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
Ruth 2:18 - "¶ And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed."
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her." - Ruth 1:18
"¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet." - Ruth 3:8
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9
Ruth 3:10 - "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."