sit still, and wait

Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter,
until you know how the matter will turn out...
Ruth 3:18 NKJV

This daughter Ruth...
she is loyal, hard working, kind and humble.
She has chosen to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi,
leaving her home of Moab, to live in a foreign land.
Certainly a grand step out of her comfort zone.
And now, without hesitation,
she follows the directions given
by this more experienced woman.

And this may certainly be her nature,
her personality,
her natural bent...
to be compliant.
But still uncommon when a younger generation
is branching out, seeking work, making their way in society.

For even my daughters
don't always want to follow my directions... without hesitation.
There are questions, discussions, and often delay of action.
They want to think for themselves,
do it their own way,
or not do it at all.
Because, how could I, an elder to them,
understand what it is like...
to be young and living life to the full.

But not Ruth.
She shows great respect and honor to Naomi...
this woman who left her home full,
and came back empty.
She has compassion and kindness for
this woman who used to be called pleasant,
but now sees herself as bitter.

And Ruth is noticed...
by Boaz,
by the foreman of his fields,
by the people of the town.
And by God...
May the Lord, the God of Israel,
under whose wings you have come to take refuge,
reward you fully for what you have done.
​Ruth 2:12 NLT

Ruth is not seeking attention,
she is simply being faithful to a commitment she made.
She is being respectful to an elder woman
with life experience that can teach her much.
And God blesses her...
and though her, He blesses many.

And when a grand decision about Ruth's future is to be made,
Naomi tells her...
Sit still, my daughter,
until you know how the matter will turn out...

Advice from a woman...
who has certainly waited.
For children to be born,
and illness to pass,
by gravesite to mourn,
again, and again... and again.

This elder woman has waited for hard times to pass,
and good things to come.
And this new daughter, Ruth, most assuredly
has been one of those long awaited blessings.
At first, surprised by her loyalty,
Naomi keeps her at arms length...
wanting to wallow only in bitterness.
But soon she sees there is new purpose found
in teaching and guiding this young woman...
almost a daughter.
Hard times passed.
Good things have come.
Because Naomi sat still
and waited to know how the matter turned out.

And certainly sitting in stillness...
is only a slice of patience,
a piece of faith.

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14 NLT

Word of God...
train me, today...
to sit still, until I know how the matter will turn out,
to trust You, Lord, confident that You will work goodness out of all things.

Lord,
I thank You that I have entrusted
my life in Your hands.

Help me to sit still
even when I want to grab hold
and take control.

For some things require waiting.
Some things need more time.
And if I rush in too fast,
I may miss the other people
you are working to weave
into my life...
to share in the purposes
​You have planned.

Help me listen, as Your speak to me,
Sit still, my daughter,
until you know how the matter will turn out.