The Man Will Not Rest

Lord, I am so confused. This matter continues to weigh so heavy on my heart. I am reminded of your call for humility in this. I admit, it is too easy for me to walk in pride. My self-pity rises up and takes charge before I even recognize it. Forgive me.

I am still dumbfounded. I am hurt. I am angry. I am anxious. I am unsteady. I come to you, begging you to show me how to act, think and feel. I cannot trust my own emotions or thinking. I need you to renew my mind, that I may receive these matters in a manner that reflects your strength and peace.

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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."

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"She had done all that was fit for her to do, and now she must patiently wait the issue and not be perplexed about it. Let us learn hence to cast our care upon providence, to follow that and attend the motions of it, composing ourselves into an expectation of the event, with a resolution to acquiesce in it, whatever it be. Sometimes that proves best done for us that is least our own doing. "Sit still, therefore, and see how the matter will fall, and say, Let it fall how it will, I am ready for it.’’ 2. She assured her that Boaz, having undertaken this matter, would approve himself a faithful careful friend: He will not be at rest till he have finished the matter. Though it was a busy time with him in his fields and his floor, yet, having undertaken to serve his friend, he would not neglect the business. Naomi believes that Ruth has won his heart, and that therefore he will not be easy till he knows whether she be his or no. This she gives as a reason why Ruth should sit still and not perplex herself about it, that Boaz had undertaken it, and he would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have good Christians to be careful for nothing, but cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them: and what need have we to care if he do? Sit still, and see how the matter will fall, for the Lord will perfect that which concerns thee, and will make it to work for good to thee, Ps. 37:4, 5; 138:8. Your strength is to sit still, Isa. 30:7." Matthew Henry

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Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

Lord, the only desire I have is to honor you in this. I desire to know you better, to lead others closer to you, to be found faithful, walking in Your strength when the matter is finished. I desire to speak, act and think in your peace regarding these things. I long to be free of any bitterness that threatens to take root.

Psalm 138:8 "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."

Lord, your promise says you are at work in this. You are perfecting this imperfect matter. You are completing this unfinished busineess. Your mercy to me, an undeserving fool, continues to endure. I am the work of your hands, your own hands. Your promise is that you do not forsake me. Because of your great mercy, I am not forsaken.

Isaiah 30:7 "For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still."

There is no other source of strength but you. You ARE at work in this. YOU are at work in this. I must sit still. As Ruth was counselled, so am I. "The man will not sit still until he hath finished the thing..."  Any and all work I would attempt to do would only distract my thinking, deter my peace, and put my self in the place of worship. Forbid my heart to do this, Lord!

Psalm 46:10-11 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."

I will be still. I will remain quiet. I will rest in humility, know you are truly God and I am not. You are at work, not resting in this matter. I am your servant, waiting on you. By that, I am strong and by that YOU are exalted among the earth. You are with me, Lord. When this rest feels to heavy to bear, I will remember you are my refuge. You are my strong tower. I am safe in you.

Studying Quietness

Definition:
–adjective

-restrained in speech, manner, free from disturbance or tumult; tranquil; peaceful; being at rest; refraining  from activity; 
-making no disturbance or trouble; not turbulent; peaceable; 
-free from disturbing thoughts, emotions,
-said, expressed, done, etc., in a restrained or unobtrusive way: a quiet reproach; a quiet admonition.
-not showy or obtrusive; subdued
-Free of turmoil and agitation; untroubled. 
-Restful; soothing; Tranquil; serene
-Not showy or garish; subdued; Restrained in style; understated: a quiet strength; a quiet life.

Hebrew: shaw-kat'
Verb

Definition: to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed; to show quietness; to cause quietness, pacify, allay
King James Word Usage - Total: 41
rest 16, quiet 16, quietness 4, still 2, appeaseth 1, idleness 1, settled 1

Joshua 11:23, Joshua 14:15  "...the land rested from war."
Judges. Kings, Chronicles "...the land had rest" (from enemies)

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."

Job 34:29 "When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:"

Job 37:17 "How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?" (brings warmth, comfort)

Proverbs 15:18 "A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."
A wrathful man stirreth up strife:

"A man of a wrathful disposition, of a furious spirit, of an angry temper; that is under the power and dominion of such a passion, and indulges it, and takes all opportunities to gratify it; he stirs up strife and contention where there was none, or where it was laid; as a man stirs up coals of fire and raises a flame; see ( Proverbs 26:21 ) . He stirs up strife in families, sets one relation against another, and the house in an uproar; he stirs up contentions in neighbourhoods, and sets one friend and neighbour against another, whence proceed quarrels and lawsuits: he stirs up strife in churches, breaks brotherly love, and causes animosities and divisions; he stirs up strife in kingdoms and states, whence come wars and fightings, confusion, and every evil work;
but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife:
a man of a quiet and peaceable disposition, possessed of the true grace of charity; who is not easily provoked, longsuffering, bears and endures all things; he allays the heat of anger; he quenches the coals of contention; he calms the storm and makes it quiet, as the word signifies; he
``mitigates strifes raised,''
as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; he composes differences, reconciles the parties at variance, and makes all hush and still; and so prevents the ill consequences of contention and strife." John Gill

"Meekness the great peace-maker: He that is slow to anger not only prevents strife, that it be not kindled, but appeases it if it be already kindled, brings water to the flame, unites those again that have fallen out, and by gentle methods brings them to mutual concessions for peace-sake."  Matthew Henry

Isaiah 7:4 "And say unto him, Take heed , and be quiet ; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah."

Isaiah 14:7 "The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing." (rest from captivity, persecution)

Isaiah 30:15 "For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not."
-in returning to the truth of God's word, aligning my life to His standard; the people of Israel would not do this, I pray, Lord, you would cause me and strengthen me to do so.

Isaiah 32:17 "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."

Peace and quietness, v. 17 "The peace here promised is of two kinds:—[1.] Inward peace, v. 17. This follows upon the indwelling of righteousness, v. 16. Those in whom that work is wrought shall experience this blessed product of it. It is itself peace, and the effect of it is quietness and assurance for ever, that is, a holy serenity and security of mind, by which the soul enjoys itself and enjoys its God, and it is not in the power of this world to disturb it in those enjoyments. Note, Peace, and quietness, and everlasting assurance may be expected, and shall be found, in the way and work of righteousness. True satisfaction is to be had only in true religion, and there it is to be had without fail. Those are the quiet and peaceable lives that are spent in all godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. 2:2. First, Even the work of righteousness shall be peace. In the doing of our duty we shall find abundance of true pleasure, a present great reward of obedience in obedience. Though the work of righteousness may be toilsome and costly, and expose us to contempt, yet it is peace, such peace as is sufficient to bear our charges. Secondly, The effect of righteousness shall be quietness and assurance, not only to the end of time, of our time, and in the end, but to the endless ages of eternity. Real holiness is real happiness now and shall be perfect happiness, that is, perfect holiness, for ever." Matthew Henry

Greek: Hesuchios
Adjective
Definition: quiet, tranquil, peaceable

1 Timothy 2:2
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1 Peter 3:4
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

to be continued..................