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.