RUTH 3:18 : Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the
man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day…
American culture is built around the often quoted phrase, “Don’t just stand there, do something!” As a
result, our lives are filled with busyness. We rush from meeting to meeting.
We chauffeur our children from hockey practice to tennis lessons to shopping at the mall. We pull in
to the nearest fast-food drive-through, place a quick order, and then we’re off again. It’s no wonder we
can identify with Blaise pascal who said, “All the troubles of life come upon us because we refuse to
sit quietly.”
Naomi knew better. Her advice-sit still, stay quiet was filled with the wisdom of experience. Ruth had
come to Naomi and told her all that took place at the threshing floor. It was obvious to Naomi that
God was at work.
How things were going to turn out, however, she didn’t know. But she did know that this was not the
time to rush here and there to find the answer. Instead, it was the time to sit quietly and listen intently
for the Lord’s response. At the right time, God would bring everything to pass.
When much is at stake, do you have difficulty sitting still? If you will remember to wait patiently, you
will see a number of positive things happen. In stillness you’ll discover God in new and deeper ways
(Ps, 46:10).
You’ll also be able to hear God when He speaks to you in a still, small voice (I Kings 19:12).
Furthermore, you’ll have the wisdom and strength to act when the time is right (Isa. 30:15). Sit still
and let God work in your life. Trust Him to accomplish what is best for you in His own timing. Listen
quietly and you will hear His answer.
WHILE YOU REST, GOD WILL WORK