trust

Humility, Anxiety, God’s Power and Care

Often, it is under the greatest affliction that we see Him most clearly. In addition to caring about every concern we might have, God has all the perfect answers and will cause all things to be used for His glory in due time.

1Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Therefore means accordingly, or in conjunction with what was written beforehand. We need to ask ourselves, ‘What has the Apostle Peter been saying in the first five verses of this letter?’ Go back, read it, and refresh your memory. Then continue to the instructions beginning in verse 6.

humble yourselves.

“Be willing to take a low place--a place such as becomes you. Do not arrogate to yourselves what does not belong to you; do not evince pride and haughtiness in your manner; do not exalt yourselves above others”, Barnes.

I had to look up what the word ‘arrogate’ meant. The definition I found says it means to demand as being one’s due or property; to assert one’s right to something. Remembering that our claim to being God’s child and to having a future in Heaven is only because of what Jesus did, will help keep our heart humble. We do not deserve to be saved; we are not owed blessings. Any success we may achieve is because of God’s doing. Our willingness to remain humble before the leaders God has set in place honors God. If you take away Jesus, we are doomed. We are all on the same road having the same purpose – either the glory of Heaven because we’ve been called by Him, or the sting of Hell because we have denied Him. If I accept His call – it’s to His glory; if I deny His call – it’s to my condemnation. These truths are what keeps us humble because they point to God’s grace.

1Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness [humility] and reverence;

1Peter 5:5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.

Do we have the right view of ourselves? Our opinions are not as significant as we might sometimes like to think when we consider Christ who died for our sins. We are precious in God’s sight only because of Jesus. Consider who you are without Christ. We need to recognize our need of Christ and realize it is only through Him that we are counted as God’s children. We are saved by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone. Nothing of ourselves can save us. When we live in this truth, we will view ourselves low and lift God high. Obedience to His word glorifies His name.

Are there specific circumstances where you struggle with having a humble heart?

Are you able to relate to any of the following statements –

You don’t like what someone says; you don’t like what someone does; you resent the rules of authority because you feel they are unfair; you believe your way is best; you don’t understand someone else’s plan; you think some rules are foolish or not necessary so you choose to ignore them; you feel you might have to give up something important to you. What do these statements have in common?

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.

Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Under the mighty hand of God refers to His power over all. If we revisit the beginning of Peter’s letter in Chapter One, we will remember he is writing to those who have been scattered because of their faith and are distressed by severe trials. Through these trials, God is refining them.

1Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

Consider, when we are at our lowest point, God is highest, when we have exhausted our own efforts, then we more readily submit to His plan to deliver us. When there is nothing left in ourselves, when we are spent and needy, we more easily rely upon God’s intervention and grace to see us through. Often, it is under the greatest affliction that we see Him most clearly. However, the goal is to learn and choose to rely upon God quickly in all circumstances, not just when we have no more resources and are suffering.

Deuteronomy 3:24 'O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?

“The more we see of God's glory in his works, the more we desire to see. And the more we are affected with what we have seen of God, the better we are prepared for farther discoveries”, John Wesley’s Notes. When you consider the strength and power of God, a submissive heart will bow before Him in humility and be happy in doing so. Do you easily submit to God’s direction, or do you fight against it?

“When we have to do with Satan and his temptations, resistance may be of good use to us: "resist the devil, and he will flee from you:" but when we have to do with God and his chastisements, it is in vain to oppose. His hand is too mighty for us; there is no way but to submit, and to humble ourselves under it, by acknowledging our weakness, and resigning our will and desires to his wisdom and goodness”. Bp. Sanderson.

Being under the mighty hand of God is a blessing! When you are discouraged, it helps to look back upon God’s faithfulness in your life. He will never leave nor forsake you if you are His child. However, as a loving Father, He will allow you to undergo what is necessary to grow your faith, trust, and obedience in His plan.

That He may exalt you at the proper time

Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

In due time, or in season, God will cause all things to work for His glory and His children’s good. Note, this is not in our timing but in God’s. When we are in the midst of trials, we are called to be patient and wait on God. When we see the proud gaining triumph and momentum, it is difficult to focus ahead on the future of God’s deliverance. We always need to be humbled before Him, to trust in His plans and timing. How can we help one another to have patience through trials?

The proper time may be in our near future here on earth, but definitely will be our future in Heaven. Think of Hebrews Chapter Eleven which lists the ‘heroes of faith’ who acted according to God’s word regardless of the outcome. Peter was reminding these Believers to stay the course, to keep their sight on Jesus, to acknowledging His power and trust in His plan. There is always hope at the end of the tunnel when you genuinely rely upon God. One day, we will be in glory with Him.

Psalm 89:16-17 In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and by Your favor our horn is exalted. (The word horn refers to their power and honor; it can also be a reference to an actual horn which was worn around the neck and lifted high in triumph in response to God’s favor. Treasury of David). In other words, any triumph and all goodness is because of God and for His glory. Praise Him for His works and faithfulness.

Moving on to 1Peter 5:7, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Anxiety, merimna, means cares or distractions. Think of the many distractions which enter your mind. Do we allow the cares of this world to pull our focus away from God? God cares for each of His children’s concerns. Whatever troubles you, or in any affliction, you can cast, or literally throw to God your deepest concerns; He’s got this! The first thing that came to my mind was the act of casting a line in a body of water to fish but there is a significant difference in the meaning. When we cast a line in fishing, it is done over and over again hoping to catch something. When we cast our cares upon Jesus, He immediately hears us and gives us the strength to walk through a difficult situation in a way which glorifies His name.

The verb casting literally means to ‘throw upon’. When you throw something away, you get rid of it. For myself, I must really consider whether I have truly given my concerns to Christ or just voiced my concerns, continuing to hold them close enough to pick them up again.

Think of the idiom, ‘having a shoulder to cry on or lean on’. It means having someone who is willing to listen to your problems and give you sympathy, emotional support, and encouragement. In addition to caring about every concern we might have, God has all the perfect answers and will cause all things to be used for His glory in due time. This includes concerns you have for yourself, your family, your friends, your leaders, your workplace, your finances, your health, and all else you can think of.

Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

What does it mean to you when you read the words, ‘He cares for you’? Is your confidence placed in God? If so, you will not worry about tomorrow. There is a great advantage for those who humble themselves before God, who trust in His goodness and His ultimate plan. Consider. What does focusing on your cares, worries, or anxieties accomplish? Instead, are you able to rely completely on God’s providence?

Matthew 6:30-33 "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

There are incredible blessings for God’s children who seek to follow His direction with a heart and mind of humility while recognizing the omnipotence and omniscience of their Heavenly Father, trusting in His perfect plan.

“Father, mother, neighbour, friend, those whom you have loved, and those to whom you have done good, may neglect you, but God never will. You may become poor, and they may pass by you; you may lose your office, and flatterers may no longer throng your path; your beauty may fade, and your admirers may leave you; you may grow old, and be infirm, and appear to be useless in the world, and no one may seem to care for you; but it is not thus with the God whom you serve. When he loves, he always loves; if he regarded you with favour when you were rich, he will not forget you when you are poor; he who watched over you with a parent's care in the bloom of youth, will not cast you off when you are "old and grey-headed," Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Do you allow anxious thoughts to distract you? What can you do to avoid unnecessary worry?

“Casting all your care upon him; The Apostle means no doubt that anxious and disquieting solicitude, which distracts the mind, perplexes all our thoughts, breaks and confounds all our measures, and so, not only does more harm than good, but betrays a want of consideration and religion. Such a perplexity indeed must needs be very blamable; because it plainly argues that the providence of God over all his creatures, and his tender concern for the faithful in particular, make none, or much too feeble, impression upon our souls”. British Family Bible, Dean Stanhope.

In other words, if we truly believe that God cares for us and loves us and has a perfect plan for us, then, we will not be distracted or disturbed by difficulties of any kind. We will be able to cast our cares upon Him with confidence, leave them at His throne, and have peace.

1Peter 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Casting your worries on God does not mean you have no thought or compassion for difficult situations. We are to care for one another, come alongside one another, and share in their grief and joy. We should care enough to bring our constant prayer to God for problems and praise. We cannot ignore the problems we must address. We will feel sadness and loss. It is the overwhelming and consuming thoughts that cause rash decisions and distraction from God that is warned against. We are to do all we can to improve a situation, then we trust in God’s plan to unfold.

“The meaning is, that we are to commit our whole cause to him. If we suffer heavy trials; if we lose our friends, health, or property; if we have arduous and responsible duties to perform; if we feel that we have no strength, and are in danger of being crushed by what is laid upon us, we may go and cast all upon the Lord; that is, we may look to him for grace and strength, and feel assured that he will enable us to sustain all that is laid upon us. The relief in the case will be as real, and as full of consolation, as if he took the burden and bore it himself. He will enable us to bear with ease what we supposed we could never have done”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Family Bible Notes says, “A sure and effectual relief from oppressive cares is a cheerful submission to the will of God, choosing to have him do as seemeth him good because he does all things well”. What is your response?
God cares for you – He has an interest in you, you matter to Him, and His direction is always best. Do you have confidence in His care? Why or why not? Do you believe God cares about every one of your concerns?

Ps 40:17 Since I am afflicted and needy, let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.

Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry.

Luke 12:32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

One reference says the word for ‘careth’ [KJV] implies “providential loving guardianship”. (Annotated Bible Notes)

God is our Heavenly Father; He has adopted us into His kingdom. Is there anything good He would not do for you?

“In the mean while, whatever uncertainties and dangers may attend you, endeavour to live as easy as possible; casting all your anxious care, and all those burdens that might otherwise occasion it, upon him; leaving it to his all-wise and all-gracious providence to determine every event of your lives; for he careth for you, in a manner the most effectual; and his tender care will accomplish infinitely more than your utmost anxiety can possibly effect”, Doddridge.

Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Luke 21:18 "Yet not a hair of your head will perish.

Once you have done all you are required to do and have taken responsibility for any action and thought that is yours to own, then it is out of your hands, and you can leave your trust in God’s mighty power and plan. His wisdom and goodness are perfect. Therefore, you can rest in Him.

Hope Replaces Fear

We are to offer our praise to God alone who is deserving, our prayers to God alone who is able, our service to God alone who is the embodiment of love, and our gratitude to God alone who has saved us through His Son.

Look at the last phrase of 1Peter 3:14, ‘AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED’, taken from Isaiah 8:12-13, "You are not to say, 'It is a conspiracy!' In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, and you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it. "It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread.

Let’s be reminded of the context in which this was written. The Apostle Peter was writing to encourage the dispersed Christians to keep moving forward in the truths which had been revealed to them even though they suffered because of their transformed lives.

This encouragement of moving forward in truth is easily applied to modern-day believers. Think of all the things that allow you to be distracted from what is truly important. Our natural desires cause us to want to fit in, to be liked, to be comfortable, and to have positive experiences. We avoid trouble, criticism, and the thought of being different. Others around us may become easily bothered by the injustices they see in their communities, government, and the world. They may feel that a personal call to action is necessary to right these wrongs. And when you do not jump on their bandwagon, you may be ridiculed, or ostracized, for not caring about their passions. However, if we follow the example of Jesus, we will stand firm in truth, yet promote peace for the purpose of sharing the Gospel.

So how do we not succumb to the fear and intimidation of others?

In order to answer the question above, we need to understand why we are intimidated. I think we can easily be caught off-guard; we forget that we are to expect those who do not know Christ to think we are different and perhaps a bit weird. We sometimes allow ourselves to be surprised that others may not think the same as us. We become intimidated when we think others speak wrongly of us, when we are misunderstood, or when others have the power to make our life miserable.

Our security must come from Jesus alone – we are His children, purchased by Him for His glory, justified through His sacrifice. Whenever our security comes from men, doors of doubt will open.

We need to be reminded consistently of who we are in Christ and remember our mission in Him is to share His gospel to those who are unsaved, and to encourage those who are like-minded. We need to fight the temptation of wanting to be accepted by everyone. We should not be intimidated by those who disagree with God’s word. We should also not be intimated by those who do claim to be Christians yet disagree with us. The reality is that we are all different; we see circumstances differently, and we think differently. God is the one whom we serve and follow. God shall be our fear; God shall be our dread.

Matthew 10:28 "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke 12:4 "I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. "But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!

Pray for a heart of humility – remembering we are saved only because of God’s grace, not because of anything we have done or deserve;

Pray for true compassion for those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior – their end is eternal suffering;

Pray for gentleness and boldness in sharing the truth of God’s love for all mankind and His coming judgement of all who refuse Him.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Let’s read our text again. 1Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,

Troubled means to be stirred-up, or agitated. Most of us know others who are easily angered; perhaps even you struggle with this. These are the individuals we typically avoid because they are ready to explode at any moment. We tip-toe around them for fear that something will set them off!

Think! What often causes an individual to become agitated? Perhaps things don’t work the way they think they should, or people don’t respond the way they want them to. People can become anxious when they realize they are not in control, or they have made an error, or caused a problem – maybe the right words were not used to convey thoughts. Also, anxiety ensues when there doesn’t seem to be enough time to accomplish what is expected. You can probably pinpoint several situations where you lose the ability to remain calm and peaceful in your soul. 1Peter 3:14 is clear, it says we are not to be troubled. Remember, this was specifically written to those Christians who were being persecuted because of their faith. Most of us will never experience a direct threat to our physical body as a result of our faith. It seems then, our concerns are but a mere trifle in comparison, and the test to remain at peace and trust God in all things should be easy. But we are weak, and our sin nature produces a challenge for us. God is gracious to give us the solution to our negative responses.

“… the Gospel gives the believer a heart assured of God's favor, and therefore unruffled, amidst all adversities. Not only be not afraid, but be not even agitated”, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary.

“If we are true Christians, we have really no reason to be alarmed in view of anything that can happen to us. God is our protector, and he is abundantly able to vanquish all our foes; to uphold us in all our trials; to conduct us through the valley of death, and to bring us to heaven”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

“A most certain counsel in afflictions, be they never so terrible, to be of a steady mind and to stand fast. But how shall we attain to it? If we sanctify God in our minds and hearts, that is to say, if we rest upon him as one that is almighty that loves mankind, that is good and true indeed”, 1599 Geneva Bible Notes.

Consider Isaiah 8:13 again, “It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread”. If we are truly God’s children, then we know He is mightier than any foe, He is supreme above all forces from without and within, He is our perfect peace and protection, He is holy and righteous in all His ways, He is merciful and extends forgiveness to those who love Him. There is absolutely no fear in any difficulty if we fear Him. God always knows better, always acts in pure holiness, He is stronger than any foe, sees every situation perfectly clear, understands each heart motivation, and holds all in His hands for His glory.

We are unable to always see things clearly, which means quite often we do not fully understand. We do not need to understand everything in order to function with a heart set on eternity. We do need to trust in God’s strength, His plan, and His faithfulness. In those areas where you feel anxious or stifled, take the 5th – choose to be silent and not add your thoughts, instead pray that God will clear your thinking of what is not important and give you peace that He is in control of all things.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? – No one!

If you do suffer for the sake of righteousness, consider it a blessing.

There is no reason to fear intimidation; nor are you to become agitated.

How can you apply the above truths?

Look at verses 15 and 16, which offer a solution to how we are to respond to those who are against us.

1Peter 3:15-16 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

Being fearful or angry requires energy! Concerns and bitterness can eat up our time and thoughts. Instead of being fearful or angry, spend your time and thoughts in ways which are pleasing to God.

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.

We are to always be ready to share the hope of the Gospel with an attitude of humility.

What does it look like to sanctify Christ in our hearts? How do we do this? What does it look like to be ready to share our hope?

How do we respond to others in humility?

How does showing reverence relate to gentleness?

Are you able to explain your hope?

“Such a sanctifying of the Lord in our hearts will save us from fear. We dread danger, we dread sickness, we dread death, we dread the eternal world. We are alarmed when our affairs are tending to bankruptcy; we are alarmed when a friend is sick and ready to die; we are alarmed if our country is invaded by a foe, and the enemy already approaches our dwelling. The sentiment in the passage before us is, that if we sanctify the Lord God with proper affections, we shall be delivered from these alarms, and the mind will be calm”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Keep a good conscience.

It is God who has saved us. We are to be certain we are above reproach, remembering we are witnesses of Jesus. The reality is we cannot take care of everyone else. we are only messengers, witnesses for Jesus. We are not the ones who effect change in someone. God is the One who changes hearts and lives. So we are to be focused on living for Him. We are to pray for others to be enlightened. We are to be an example of God’s grace, looking for opportunities to share the truth of the Gospel.

Think! There is no room or purpose for argument or insult when speaking of our hope. We can only be thankful that God has, in His great mercy and grace, saved us, and share the reasons for our hope, and evidence of our faith.

Does your life speak of Jesus? Are you a defender of the Truth? We can lose our focus and spend our time and energy defending ourselves, but this is not what we are to defend. We are to make a defense of our hope.

Psalm 119:46 I will also speak of Thy testimonies before kings, and shall not be ashamed.

2Timothy 2:24-26 And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses [and escape] from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“Ever remember that he has wisdom without error, power, without limits, truth without falsity, love without hatred, holiness without evil, and justice without rigour or severity on the one hand, or capricious tenderness on the other. In a word, that he neither can be, say, purpose, or do, any thing that is not infinitely just, holy, wise, true, and gracious; that he hates nothing that he has made; and has so loved the world, the whole human race, as to give his only-begotten Son to die for them, that they might not perish, but have everlasting life. Thus sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and you will ever be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you to every serious and candid inquirer after truth.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

We have hope because of Him. Our thoughts, actions, and words should esteem God as holy.

“No man ought to entertain opinions for which a good reason cannot be given; and every man ought to be willing to state the grounds of his hope on all proper occasions. A Christian should have such intelligent views of the truth of his religion, and such constant evidence in his own heart and life that he is a child of God, as to be able at any time to satisfy a candid inquirer that the Bible is a revelation from heaven, and that it is proper for him to cherish the hope of salvation”, Albert Barnes NT Commentary.

Christmas

Through Christ, all sin was atoned for, all sin past, present, and future.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

The question – How can one be born again?

The answer – Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

The explanation – For God so loved the world. The reason we can celebrate Jesus’ birth is God’s love for mankind. We are imperfect, we mess up, we make the wrong choices, we even do bad things – this is called sin. No matter how hard we try we are unable to break through the bondage of sin on our own. God knows this, so out of His perfect love for us, God gave His only begotten Son. Jesus, born in human flesh, God incarnate, lived among us. Jesus – Teacher, Healer, Perfect in all His ways, Savior of the world, came to earth so we might live free from the power of sin now and free from the presence of sin in the future.

Do you believe?

The promise – Whoever believes in Him should not perish. Everyone who genuinely places their complete faith and trust in Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection will absolutely not perish; we will not be under the hand and power of sin’s destruction. We will not be separated eternally from God. Faith and trust in the things of this world is transient. Disappointment will meet us at every corner. However one thing remains constant – faith and trust in an all-powerful and perfect God. Through Christ, all sin was atoned for, all sin past, present, and future. No one is ‘good enough’ however, everyone is welcome. Because God loves you – not based on your own merit – but based on His choice, you can choose to believe.

The result – Eternal life. Consider – perpetual suffering and destruction versus eternal joy in God’s presence.

The answer to Nicodemus’ question, ‘How can one be born again’ is Christmas. Through the greatest gift ever given, the birth of a Savior. Through God’s grace alone, through faith and trust alone, in Christ alone, we are saved from sin to eternal life.

Celebrate Jesus’ birth. I pray you are filled with the joy and peace of the Gospel.

Where Do You Find Hope?

Certain hope rests upon what God, not man, has done.

1Peter 1:21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

We believe because of God, our faith is built upon the cross of Christ, and our hope lies solely on God’s promises.

Matthew 11:27 "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal [Him]”.

In Christ alone we can have a relationship with God as our heavenly Father. True faith can only be realized through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, not in man’s sacrifices or traditions, works or words, or position or wealth. Our faith and hope rests in what God has done.

God enables a heart to believe.

He is the one who opens a heart to His truths. This should invoke a heart of gratitude that He has chosen you.

Faith is the moral conviction that God is God. Saving faith is built upon the work of Christ. We rely upon the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection for all mankind.
Because of Christ we have hope, a certain expectation of our future in heaven.

John 14:6 Jesus *said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.

1Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

“Who through his gospel believe in God, who raised him up from the dead, and gave him the glory of sitting at this own right hand, as Saviour and King, that your faith in him and hope of eternal life might be founded in the power and veracity of God”, Macknight on the Epistles.

Have you placed your complete trust and faith in Christ? Do your words and actions prove your answer?
What does complete mean? What does it look like in your personal life and circumstance? (every component, the whole, without qualification)

John 5:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

Psalm 146:3-5 Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God;

Can you explain your hope?

How does your attitude reflect your faith?

Do you live like you have been redeemed? What is the evidence?

1 Peter 1:21 uses the term believers. This refers to those who have faith in Christ. It comes from pisteuo meaning to entrust – especially one’s spiritual well-being to Christ.

The fulfilment of our hope is in God. It is not in other individuals here on earth, how many friends we have or do not have, our children or any other relationships. It is not in a title we may claim, the importance of a role we have, or where we live. Neither is our hope in physical possessions or accomplishments. Material things offer only temporary satisfaction. Our hope is not in circumstances. Rarely do our plans end up as we thought they should. Certain hope rests upon what God, not man, has done. Hope is the foundation of our confidence in Christ and the reason we can have joy in all circumstances. Our eternal destiny is protected by God.

God is our hope “who is unchangeable in His counsels, and infinite in His mercies”, (Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD. "For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.

1Peter 1:13 Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober [in spirit,] fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Like Peter to the dispersed Christians, the prophet Isaiah offered comforting words to the nation of Israel, encouraging them to place their hope in God. God’s strength would see then through captivity. They were reminded to keep their focus on the hope of God’s promises for their future deliverance.

“Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up [with] wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary”, Isaiah 40:31.

The NIV translation reads, “those who hope in the Lord”. It means to look, to be patient. In 1 Peter 1:21, the word ‘hope’ means to anticipate, usually with pleasure. It is an expectation, a confidence. This is the root of our joy even amidst trouble. This hope gives endurance. It changes how we think and act. It determines our purpose. Imagine how encouraging Peter’s words must have been to those who were struggling. Peter’s words also hold a great deal of encouragement for us today.

God’s plan was put in place before the creation of the world. He sent Jesus to be our hope. Through the power of His grace we can exercise faith in Him.

Inexpressible Joy

By faith we love who He is, what He has done. We rejoice in the truths we know. The love we have for God is incomparable to any love we might experience in our human relationships. It is perfect and secure.

We have been saved to obedience. In Christ, we have grace, peace, mercy, a living hope, an inheritance, and protection. Because of these truths we can rejoice through trials. Through trials we have opportunities for our faith to be proven. We have a faith more precious than gold, a faith which will result in glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 1:8, we will see that this understanding and knowledge of our faith produces joy.

“May grace (the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) and peace (prosperity and quietness) be yours in the fullest measure” 1 Peter 1:2b.

Because –

Joy is found in faith (v.8)

1Peter 1:8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

You have not seen Him
You love Him
You believe in Him
You greatly rejoice

What is faith?

John 20:29 Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed [are] they who did not see, and [yet] believed."

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith is commanded. 1 John 3:23

Faith is believing in something or someone without seeing. Believing is more than hoping or thinking. It is confident expectation. Read the beginning of 1 Peter 1:8 again, “and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him”, these words define faith in Christ. Peter was writing to those who had not seen Christ in the flesh. Yet, they “loved Him as strongly as any of His disciples could, to whom He was personally known”, (quote from Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

Read of the faith of Abraham in Romans 4:18-21.

As a true believer, the faith you have in Jesus is the same faith exercised by those thousands of years ago. It is the same faith as those who had walked and talked with Him. Saving faith places full trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. There is room for no one else and nothing else. It is not the compilation of trusting and believing in many entities and hoping one of them is right; it is the single conviction of Jesus as Lord and Savior. This faith is directly a work of God on the heart, it is unexplained and only given by the power and choice of God. Those who have it rejoice in its truth.

1 John 4:19 We love, because He first loved us.

What does it mean to love God?

Matthew 10:37; Matthew 25:35-40; John 8:42; John 14:15,21; 1 Corinthians 16:22

John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary gives this insight – “Faith is the subsistence of things hoped for … the demonstration of things not seen … substance becomes a foundation for another thing to stand on … such are the effects of justifying faith: on it subsists the peace of God which passeth all understanding”,

2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—

What does it mean to hope for something?

According to WordWeb, hope is the general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled. Hope for the future is certain when placed at the cross of Christ. “Things hoped for are the peace and approbation of God, and those blessings by which the soul is prepared for the kingdom of heaven. A penitent hopes for the pardon of his sins and the favour of his God; faith in Christ puts him in possession of this pardon, and thus the thing that was hoped for is enjoyed by faith. When this is received, a man has the fullest conviction of the truth and reality of all these blessings though unseen by the eye, they are felt by the heart, and the man has no more doubt of God’s approbation and his own free pardon, than he has of his being”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

We have an absolute hope, a certain hope – this is what it means to believe. Like you and I, the Christians to whom Peter was writing had never seen Jesus. Yet by faith they were able to believe. The foundation of our faith is the same, Christ is unchanging, His work on the cross is for all who believe. Verse 8 says “though you have not seen Him, you love Him”. Consider the ability to love what we have not seen with our eyes. The first thing that comes to my mind is loving a child you have not seen. We experience a heartfelt love for the children we carry. When I found out my grown children were expecting babies, there was an immediate love in my heart for my grandchildren though yet unseen. Barnes’ Notes says these scattered Christians “had heard of His character, His preaching, His sacrifice for sin, and His resurrection and ascension, and they had learned to love Him”.

We have a true, historical, and clear account of our Savior’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, in God’s word. By faith we love who He is, what He has done. We rejoice in the truths we know. The love we have for God is incomparable to any love we might experience in our human relationships. It is perfect and secure. Consider what God has done for you!

He sent His only Son to redeem your soul from eternal damnation.
He is preparing heaven for His children whom He will one day gather to Himself.
He provides protection, guidance, strength, encouragement, hope, and purpose on earth.
He constantly pours blessings upon His children, even though they are undeserving, and even amidst their failures.

What is the result of grace which leads to faith in Christ?

You greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

To greatly rejoice literally means to jump for joy! It means to be exceedingly glad, to be exultant. It is joy based upon the triumph of Christ’s resurrection and power over sin and death. This joy is so much more than happiness. It is rejoicing in the knowledge of who Christ is and the future that awaits those who believe. The result of true saving faith is joy; a joy that will manifest itself even in the most difficult and trying times.

Psalm 5:11

Has your faith led you to grow in your love for God and His commandments?
Does your faith lead you to obedience and service?
Have you placed your soul trust in Christ alone, fully dependent on Him for your salvation?

Thomas Scott’s Commentary says this of ‘joy inexpressible’, “they derived a joy which was so excellent, holy, substantial, and satisfactory, that it could not be expressed by words … and they shared this joy in proportion to the degree of their living faith and obedient love; whilst they delighted in the salvation which was wrought by Him, and in their enrapturing discoveries of the glory of God, harmoniously anticipating the everlasting felicity of all believers in Christ … This faith, love, and joy, … formed the distinguishing character, of real Christians … amidst their trials and conflicts”.

Matthew 5:12 "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Read Mary’s words upon believing and trusting in God’s plan, “And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior”, Luke 1:47

Is it your practice to rejoice in God?
Are you resolved to place your confidence in His promises?

It is possible to find joy no matter the circumstances. Joy, when is based on the truths of what we know, does not fluctuate. The conditions of our lives might seem to change frequently and feel a bit unstable. However, the promises of God’s word are unchanging.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, [Though] the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (when Judah was about to be invaded by the Chaldeans and injustice reigned upon the Jews)

1 Peter 4:12-13; Acts 16:23-25

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Does the reflection of God’s grace in your life manifest itself in joy?
Does your joy bring honor to God’s name, does it magnify His glory?

Joy is found in what we know to be true yet cannot see. It comes from the heart rather than only being a reaction to outside circumstances. Read 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. True faith will produce action. It is different than just believing a pool will hold water or an airplane will fly. It is believing in the one true God who is able to do all things, even that which seems impossible in our eyes. It is believing in the majesty and power of God, trusting in His word and His plan. May God’s influence in your heart and the reflection of His love in your life abound. May quietness and joy surround your soul as you rest secure in His truths.

We love God, we believe in God, and we rejoice in His plan – all because of Him.

Ephesians 1:13-14

Righteous Decisions

I am reminded again of the importance in total honesty when disclosing information. It may be that we are led to leave out just a small bit of information for fear that things may not go the way we would like. We may stretch the truth to make something seem more desirable. We are used to ‘wheeling and dealing’ in many of our transactions today. It is important however, to hold honesty as a priority.

Ruth 4:1-8

The end of Ruth, Chapter 3:16-18, reminded us of the necessity to rely completely on God’s direction. We are to choose to trust God, we are to find our delight in Him alone, and we are to commit to His perfect plan, having confidence that He is in control.

Now we come to the last chapter in this incredible true story of redemption. Ruth, a Moabitess, having trusted in God, is awaiting to hear from Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. Will he be able to save her late husband’s family’s name and inheritance through marriage? We have witnessed through this account, Naomi’s faith in God, her teaching of His ways to her daughter-in-law, and her wise instruction to Ruth. Ruth has obediently followed instruction, humbly accepted her position and trusted in God’s direction. Her actions have been noticed and her character of virtue applauded. Boaz, described for us as honorable, has been an encourager to all those with which he is in contact. He has placed the law and doing what is right over his own desires and shows us his care for Ruth in leading her in a righteous way. Ruth has been told to wait for the response of Boaz as he approaches a member of the family who is a closer relative, with the right to redeem Ruth and the inheritance of the family’s land. Now we will continue with Chapter 4.

Ruth 4:1 Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there, and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said, "Turn aside, friend, sit down here." And he turned aside and sat down.

Boaz went to the city gate. This was a place for public deliberation, administration of justice or of audience for kings and rulers or ambassadors (Smith’s Bible Dictionary). Matters of great importance were decided upon at the city gates. Boaz chooses to bring the matter of redeeming Elimelech’s inheritance to the public. This again speaks of his character. Perhaps, he could have just assumed the closer relative was uninterested since there had been no movement that we know of from any other direction. However, being upright in all things requires every action to be completely honest before God who knows all things. Think how this example might be applied to yourself.

Have you tried to ‘get away’ with something, thinking no one would find out?
Have you purposely ignored information that might change what you would like?
Do you avoid taking a stand because you will be unpopular with family or friends?

We can assume we know what someone else’s response may be to a situation that involves them. We can even make decisions for another, thinking we are acting in their best interest or that they will not care or have a preference. Making an important decision with these assumptions leaves the consideration of someone else’s desires to our own interpretation and personal benefit. Is this approach truly honest? Do we manipulate circumstances for our own profit?

There may be a personal cost of being careful and deliberate in our decisions. Consider the account we are studying. It seems Boaz had developed a heart for Ruth. He had been attracted to her virtuous character. He is perhaps anticipating a union with her. He is now taking steps that could take his opportunity away. Yet, he is proceeding in a righteous direction.

We may find there is a different explanation for something or a better way to proceed. Are we open to a direction we may not have thought or appreciated? Sometimes exploring all the possibilities will lead us to a more difficult answer. It might even seem that we will miss out on something. However, the end result of being careful and righteous in our decisions is always honoring to God. Think carefully, we can ignore doing the right thing before God in order to preserve a relationship or not cause any waves, but then, who are we honoring?

Do you make promises you are not sure you can keep in order to avoid flack?

Rather than making a promise to Ruth that he righteously was uncertain he could fulfill, Boaz sought complete honesty and justice in redeeming Elimelech’s land and name. We are told Boaz sat at the city gate. Recall this is where all public transactions took place and usually a council of leaders was present. As people moved in and out of the city, business was arranged, and deals were made. When Boaz sees the srelative, he needs to address, he greets and stops him. "Turn aside, friend, sit down here."

Boaz recognizes the one who is a closer kinsman to Elimelech’s family than himself and tells him he has business to conduct with him. Boaz was an important magistrate or leader in the village, and he was able to gather men together to hear the transaction.

Ruth 4:2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, "Sit down here.” So they sat down.

It is interesting to note how simple it was to make a legal transaction at that time. Compared to our court system now, it would take months just to gather the people involved with all their witnesses and evidence! Notice the wisdom also in conducting business with others present to hear the decision. This way there would be little chance for misunderstanding, or as it is in our courts, to contest the verdict.

Boaz presents his case to the closest relative and to the elders in the city:

Ruth 4:3-5 Then he said to the closest relative, "Naomi, who has come back from the land of Moab, has to sell the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech. “So I thought to inform you, saying, 'Buy [it] before those who are sitting [here,] and before the elders of my people. If you will redeem [it,] redeem [it;] but if not, tell me that I may know; for there is no one but you to redeem [it,] and I am after you.'“ And he said, "I will redeem [it.]" Then Boaz said, "On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of the deceased, in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance."

Boaz states the first order of business – Naomi was in need and there was land of Elimelech’s to be redeemed. The purchase rightfully belonged to the next of kin. Initially, the closer relative agrees to purchase the land, to buy back his relative’s property. Then Boaz informs the relative that purchasing the land also means acquiring Ruth and having a family with her so that he might continue the family name. This bit of information was a game changer!

2Corinthians 8:21 for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

In order for the relative to purchase the land, he must take Ruth as his wife. He was to redeem all or nothing. His response changes as he contemplates the full cost.

Ruth 4:6 And the closest relative said, "I cannot redeem [it] for myself, lest I jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem [it] for yourself; you [may have] my right of redemption, for I cannot redeem [it.]

According to several commentaries, the kinsman may have had a previous marriage and children. The addition of children with Ruth would affect his own inheritance and family name. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge gives this insight, “The Targum seems to give the proper sense of this passage: ‘I cannot redeem it, because I have a wife already; and it is not fit for me to bring another into my house, lest brawling and contention arise in it; and lest I hurt my own inheritance. Do thou redeem it, for thou has no wife; which hinders me from redeeming it’.” I am certain I do not understand Jewish law to give any explanation for the refusal so we will just go with what we know. The closest relative gave up his right to purchasing Elimelech’s land and this opened the door for Boaz to redeem the land and Ruth.

Let us pause for a moment and consider Christ as our Redeemer. Jesus fully paid the price to redeem us for His Father. Christ willingly suffered an undeserving, horrific death for the redemption of mankind. Because of Christ, our inheritance in the kingdom of God has been restored. We have been ransomed from death to life. This picture of Ruth is much like our own. We are unworthy, we have a sinful nature and rebel against God. Yet God chose to remove us from the control of sin and place us in His care and protection. He gifted us with hope for the future through giving us His Son, Jesus Christ as our Redeemer.

Consider this thought. If you say Jesus Christ is your Savior, claiming you understand the need you have to be redeemed from sin, yet, do not follow Him as Lord, you have not accepted the fullness of God’s grace. Many desire the assurance of heaven without wanting to live for Christ. Your life needs to be completely surrendered to God. This means He is the ruler of your life, He has jurisdiction over all you say, think and do – whether you like it or not, whether it is easy or not, or whether you agree or not.

The closest relative in this account wanted the land; he was ready to jump at increasing his property. However, when he realized there was more attached to the deal, and it might make things difficult for him, he bowed out. He wanted part but not all.

Is your life completely surrendered to God? What is your proof?
Is Jesus your Savior and your Lord? How does your life testify to this?

“This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world”. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Ruth 4:7-8 Now this was [the custom] in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange [of land] to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the [manner of] attestation in Israel. So the closest relative said to Boaz, "Buy [it] for yourself." And he removed his sandal.

These next two verses give us the legal exchange of redeeming land and resigning the rights to inheritance.

“The manner and ceremony of conveying over a title and estate amongst the ancient Israelites was this: the person who sold or conveyed over his title pulled off one of his shoes, and in open court delivered it to the purchaser, thereby signifying that he had full right to walk, enter into, or tread upon the land, &c. as his own proper and entire possession”. British Family Bible

The closest relative resigned his right to redeem the property of Elimelech’s family and take Ruth as his wife. The transaction of removing his sandal and giving it to Boaz, allowed Boaz to take possession of the land and marry Ruth.

Naomi’s faith in God results in her family’s name being restored. Ruth’s obedience, faith and trust will place her in a position to be used for God’s redemptive plan. Boaz’s righteousness is blessed by God’s perfect provision.

How has your trust in God changed the direction of your life?
How do you see His hand in moving you towards His purpose?

Wait…

We are to choose to trust God, we are to find our delight in Him alone, and we are to commit to His perfect plan, having confidence that He is in control.

Ruth 3:16-18

Ruth 3:16 And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, "How did it go, my daughter?" And she told her all that the man had done for her.17 And she said, "These six [measures] of barley he gave to me, for he said, 'Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'“ 18 Then she said, "Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today."

We have Ruth returning from the festivities at the end of harvest. She obediently followed Naomi’s instruction to attend the activities at the threshing floor where she secretly let Boaz know of her desire to have him fulfill his role as kinsman redeemer for her late husband’s name. Boaz reacted kindly toward her and sent her home with a gift of grain and a promise that he would indeed take care of the matter. Yet, only if the one who was next of kin was unable to fulfill his obligation.

Naomi was likely anticipating the return of her daughter-in-law since she welcomed her with the question, ‘How did it go, my daughter’. This question may have been one of surprise. Remember, Ruth got up before the morning light as Boaz had told her, then he had sent her on her way before anyone had the opportunity to speak poorly of them. It was likely that Naomi had not expected Ruth to show up so early in the morning. Perhaps she wondered what had happened and maybe thought things did not go as well as she had hoped.

Considering this response, how often do we have expectations of something going a certain way? When circumstances do not develop the way we think they should we are apt to think the worst or wonder what the problem may be. Sometimes, in fact often, we cannot see things clearly. God has a perfect plan. It is good for us to trust in His timing and His execution of the events of our lives.

Ruth then gave her account of Boaz’s response. She showed her mother-in-law the grain Boaz had sent with her. Naomi’s reply in verse 18 is an example for us to follow. She tells Ruth to sit still and wait until Boaz gives her an answer, Ruth 3:18 Then she said, "Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out. Remember in Ruth 3:12-13 what Boaz said to Ruth on the threshing floor, “And now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than i. Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning”.

Boaz was going to make certain that neither of them acted too quickly without paying attention to facts. This may mean that decisions cannot be made right away. It may take time to sort things out to be certain all information is considered.

How often might we think to ourselves that we need to do something to fix a situation or to figure out an answer NOW?

Once we have taken care of our responsibility in a circumstance, we need to be okay with knowing it is not up to us to make everything right. Instead, we are to have the attitude spelled out for us in the Psalms.

Psalm 37:3-5 Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Trust <batach> to hie for refuge, to be confident or sure, to put confidence, to (make to) hope.

We are to hie, or move fast, to safety. A refuge is something or someone turned to for assistance or security. Our confidence is to be in the Lord, Jehovah, the eternal God. We are to turn quickly to a heart that trusts that God is working.

Do you seek to act according to His will?
Do you believe God will not fail you?

Sometimes, we can choose to change direction because we do not see results or we do not get answers fast. We like to take matters into our own hands! Listen to this commentary, “To trust in the Lord, on his promises for support … persevering in the path of duty, however … discouraging it may appear” (Thomas Haweis).

We have a responsibility to place our trust in God even if circumstances are not what we think they ought to be. In fact, we are to be busy about doing the things God would have us do while we are trusting in His direction and care – “do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness”.

Be at rest right where God has you. Your security is in God, not in circumstances.

Are you able to find delight in the Lord?

Delight <anag> to be soft or pliable. Think about this for a moment. Perhaps your answers will not be God’s answers. That is okay. Our own determination for what should be can derail us from seeing something with different possibilities. God is in charge!

Are we open to a different direction than perhaps the one we have entertained?
Do we allow ourselves to consider an alternative that we had not thought of?
Are we able to trust in God when His direction does not make sense in our mind?

Consider anyone in authority. Their position means they make decisions for all those for which they are responsible. Parent/child, Teacher/student, Employer/employee, and Government/citizens, are all examples of these relationships. While these relationships are all subject to error because of human limits, we are still to move, even without understanding, in the direction we are told.

God, who is perfect in all His ways, and understands all things, and desires to bless His children, tells us to trust in Him and be flexible to His plan.

When we seek our joy in the Lord, through His word and promises, He will bestow upon us everything that is good. If our delight is in pleasing God, our desires will be for those things that glorify His name.

Psalm 43:4 Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; and upon the lyre I shall praise Thee, O God, my God.

Psalm 104:34 Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD.

“Think what he is, and what you are; and at once, both wonder and yield. And what else have you to delight in? What thing will you name that shall supply the place of GOD, or be to you in the stead of him? Moreover, who should delight in him but you -- his friends, his sons, those of his own house? Think what life and vigor it will infuse into you, and that "the joy of the Lord will be your strength," Treasury of David

“The desires of God, and the desires of the righteous, agree in one; they are of one mind in their desires”. John Bunyan.

Commit <galal> to roll (literally or figuratively); roll (away, down, together), run down, seek.

“Roll thy way upon -- as one who lays upon the shoulder of one stronger than himself a burden which he is not able to bear”. William De Burgh, D.D., in "A Commentary on the Book of Psalms. Dublin:" 1860.

Think about what happens when you commit to something. You devote yourself to someone or something. You put all your efforts confidence and trust into the thing that you have determined is important. Seek God; commit your way to follow Him. This is an active choice to follow God in obedience – even if you are unsure of the direction.

Psalm 22:8 "Commit [yourself] to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Consider how well you do following your own wisdom.

Where do you place your concerns?
Do you fully expect God to take care of your circumstances, to fulfill your desires, to accomplish what is needed to grow you into His likeness?

He will do it! God will certainly cause His will for you to be done. This is not a maybe.

Luke 12:29 "And do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“When thou hast any difficult business in hand, and art doubtful of the success; or when thou knowest not what course to take, for the accomplishing of thy honest designs; leave all to the Lord, and trust to him in pious and upright courses, that he will direct and assist thee, and bring things to a good issue.” Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary

“Commit thy way unto the Lord. Roll the whole burden of life upon the Lord. Leave with Jehovah not thy present fretfulness merely, but all thy cares; in fact, submit the whole tenor of thy way to him. Cast away anxiety, resign thy will, submit thy judgment, leave all with the God of all. What a medicine is this for expelling envy! What a high attainment does this fourth precept indicate! How blessed must he be who lives every day in obedience to it! Trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Our destiny shall be joyfully accomplished if we confidently entrust all to our Lord. We may serenely sing --

"Thy way, not mine, O Lord, However dark it be; O lead me by thine own right hand, Choose out the path for me."

"Smooth let it be or rough, It will be still the best; Winding or straight, it matters not, It leads me to thy rest."

"I dare not choose my lot, I would not if I might; But choose Thou for me, O my God, So shall I walk aright."

"Take thou my cup, and it With joy or sorrow fill; As ever best to thee may seem, Choose thou my good and ill."

The ploughman sows and harrows, and then leaves the harvest to God. What can he do else? He cannot cover the heavens with clouds, or command the rain, or bring forth the sun or create the dew. He does well to leave the whole matter with God; and so to all of us it is truest wisdom, having obediently trusted in God, to leave results in his hands, and expect a blessed issue.” Treasury of David

We are to choose to trust God, we are to find our delight in Him alone, and we are to commit to His perfect plan, having confidence that He is in control.

After Naomi tells Ruth to wait, she gives more insight into the character of Boaz, for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.

Determination. Follow-through. True to his word. Boaz can be counted on to take care of the matter as he said he would. He does not lay his responsibility aside for someone else to figure out. He is not idle, wasting time, hoping the matter will resolve itself. He does what is needed to follow through with his promise to Ruth.

Boaz’s actions remind us of his integrity and faithfulness. We see wisdom in waiting upon God’s answers and direction when we have done all that we could. We see wisdom in the necessity to be diligent to take care of the responsibility we have. Both of these things are necessary in our walk with God.

What is your response?

Following Direction

 Have you purposed to trust God’s direction in your life? How does your response to trust God manifest itself in your life?

Following Directions

Ruth 3:3-4 "Wash yourself therefore, and anoint yourself and put on your [best] clothes, and go down to the threshing floor; [but] do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. And it shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do."

It is difficult to wrap our heads around all the meaning in these two verses. The culture and time we are drawn into is very different from what we understand today. What we do know is that Naomi desired for Ruth to have a better future. That future seemed logically and rightfully connected to Boaz according to Jewish law. In the steps Ruth was to take, she would be letting Boaz know that she desired his action as kinsman redeemer of Elimelech’s family name. The process of uncovering Boaz’s feet and lying down at them gives information to Boaz that Ruth was indeed willing to follow what was expected under the law. It may be similar to Ruth saying she had been given direction by Naomi, understood the role of kinsman redeemer, and desired for Boaz to implement this law in marriage. Ruth was instructed to wait for Boaz to tell her his plan, “Then he will tell you what you shall do”.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary addresses the actions in Ruth 3:4 this way, “Singular as these directions may appear to us, there was no impropriety in them … in the case of Ruth, it was a method, doubtless conformable to prevailing usage, of reminding Boaz of the duty which devolved on him as the kinsman of her deceased husband. Boaz probably slept upon a mat or skin; Ruth lay crosswise at his feet – a position in which Eastern servants frequently sleep in the same chamber or tent with their master; and if they want a covering, custom allows them that benefit from part of the covering on their master’s bed. … there was no indelicacy in a stranger, or even a woman, putting the extremity of this cover over her.”

Picture a large feast and celebration at the end of harvesting. It would be plausible that all those attending would put on their best attire, just as we would dress differently when going to a special party. Recall what we know of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth was faithful, she was a hard-worker, and she followed God. Boaz was a relative of Elimelech; he was honorable, kind and compassionate, and recognized and encouraged Ruth’s devotion to God.

We read these few verses and have a difficult time comprehending the culture and the exact meanings of some actions. Imagine Ruth, from a different land and culture, hearing the instruction Naomi was giving her. Ruth must have trusted Naomi’s wisdom and genuine care for her because she followed her advice probably without complete understanding of the laws and customs.

Ruth 3:5 And she said to her, "All that you say I will do."

Ruth took Naomi’s advice and counted it as wisdom, even though the customs and actions described for her to follow may have seemed odd. Ruth trusted in Naomi’s discernment of the laws.

Do you seek advice from those who have more knowledge and understanding?
When someone, out of love and concern for you, shares specific action for your benefit, are you willing to proceed with their instruction?
Are we able to take direction even when we suppose our way is better? Even when we may not completely understand or even agree?

Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary says, “She put a great confidence in her mother’s prudence and piety, and trusted God would give good success to her design; which seemed not very modest, but had not other intentions than what was agreeable to the law of God”.

Naomi had made it clear to Ruth that Boaz was the wise choice for her future. She gave Ruth specific instructions to follow. Ruth’s actions would state her intentions to secure the family’s property and name with Boaz’s role as her kinsman redeemer under Jewish law. Ruth was also given clear direction to wait for Boaz’s response. Imagine Ruth hearing all this, taking a deep breath, and timidly moving ahead with this strange plan. Would this plan be accepted or rejected? What response would she receive?

To this point, it seems Boaz had given Ruth encouragement towards her future, Ruth stepped out in faith, doing what looked best and trusted God for the outcome.

Consider. What happens to our thoughts when we place our trust completely in God’s hands?

Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; and mayest Thou shelter them, That those who love Thy name may exult in Thee.

Let us not miss the word ‘all’ in verse 5. Each translation I looked at used this adjective meaning complete or entire. Consider following the plans for constructing an airplane. How important would it be to pay attention to all directions exactly? Why?

Completely or entirely following God’s instruction is an important concept that we will take time to explore. Ruth did not follow some of Naomi’s instructions, she was careful to follow all of them. This is a picture of complete trust and total obedience, even though Ruth may not have understood the entire picture.

Think for a moment. What would it look like to follow all God’s truths on a daily basis as we interact with one another?

We cannot only take a piece of truth that conveniently fits our lifestyle and thinking for the moment. Seeking to follow all God’s ways means we do not react according to others actions. This negates excuse in our failures. In other words, we are unable to justify a poor response on our part. When you are treated unfairly, spoken of unjustly, or receive hurtful words or actions, there is no freedom to respond with careless thoughts or words. When the road ahead looks unclear or even scary, you can continue to move forward if you completely trust in God. He is working to unfold His perfect plan. Obedience in the believer’s life leads to blessing.

Psalm 119:4-6 Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, that we should keep [them] diligently. Oh that my ways may be established to keep Thy statutes! Then I shall not be ashamed when I look upon all Thy commandments.

There are more than two dozen scriptures that command us to love one another. These commands are clear and there are no exceptions. Continuing on with the same thought above, the Bible does not say that we are to show care for one another only when we feel like it or it is easy or when others make us feel loved. God’s word does not place conditions on showing love. We are to love one another even when we are slighted, hurt, accused, betrayed or experience any negative interaction. We should not respond according to our interpretation of others’ actions. We are responsible to love one another regardless, showing mercy and kindness.

Do you seek to obey God’s word even when you may not understand and it seems especially difficult, for example, in always loving one another?
Do you respond to God as Ruth responded to Naomi – all you say, I will do?

Ruth paid careful attention to Naomi’s instruction. Often, we do not pay close enough attention to instruction; we remember only part but not everything. Our intentions are only as good as our actions. Consider how different the account we are reading might have been if Ruth had not followed through with the advice given her. For instance, we can think of many things we should do but if we never put those thoughts to work, they remain only thoughts.

Ruth 3:5 gave us Ruth’s verbal response to Naomi. She said she would follow her instruction. Ruth 3:6 tells us that Ruth’s response was genuine as she put information into practice.

Ruth 3:6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her. Ruth’s action to observe Naomi’s instructions gave honor to her mother-in-law. We will take a sideline here and consider several verses that speak of honoring parents by yielding to their instruction.

Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

Deuteronomy 5:16 'Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you.

Proverbs 1:8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching;

Proverbs 4:1 Hear, [O] sons, the instruction of a father, and give attention that you may gain understanding,

Picture a feast following the hard work of those employed by Boaz. Boaz has included himself among the workers to oversee that the grain is winnowed without unnecessary waste. Then as the evening winds down, with a full stomach and the satisfaction of a completed harvest, Boaz lies down on the threshing floor to sleep until morning.

Ruth 3:7 When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.

The Targum, which is a translation of the Old Testament Scriptures in the Chaldee or Aramaic language adds, “He blessed the name of the Lord, who had heard his prayer, and removed famine from the land of Israel”. This is consistent with the honorable character we have seen in Boaz.

According to Thomas Scott’s commentary, “His heart was merry” can be translated as “his heart was good and may be used to mark his cheerfulness and thankfulness for the plenty which the Lord has sent after the famine; and his subsequent conduct shows that his feast was consistent with temperance and piety”. The word ‘drunk’ <shathah>, or drinking to full is different from the word used in Ephesians 5:18 when speaking of getting drunk <methusko>, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit”. One is having plenty of liquids as in quenching your thirst, the other is excess, becoming intoxicated with a substance that controls you. Instead of being filled or controlled with wine, we are to be filled with the Spirit.

After the celebration of the end of harvest, Boaz lay to sleep on the threshing floor and Ruth secretly, or quietly, places herself at his feet. To us, Ruth’s action may seem overt, yet remember Ruth’s character of virtue noticed by him earlier in Ruth 2:11-12. Ruth was simply obeying the instruction of Naomi and depending upon the honorable character of Boaz.

This strange interaction causes me to consider the necessity of moving forward in faith and trust in God’s plan even when we do not clearly see or understand His ways. Our responsibility is to seek wisdom and guidance from His word. Often, we are unable to figure out every detail or turn. However, we can be certain that God will protect and guide those who sincerely seek to do His will. This takes a desire and purposed plan to spend time in God’s word.

2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 36:7 How precious is Thy lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings.

Psalm 84:12 O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Isaiah 26:3 "The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee.

Have you purposed to trust God’s direction in your life? How does your response to trust God manifest itself in your life?

Ruth 3:8-9 And it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. And he said, "Who are you?” And she answered, "I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative."

Reading this verse tells us there was no indication from Boaz that Ruth would be sleeping at his feet. Picture, the middle of the night feeling like something was not quite right, even having a moment of fear, as you felt something at your feet. Upon asking who was there, Ruth answers with a request for Boaz to take her as his wife and protection. The phrase, “spread your covering over your maid’ was a symbol of matrimonial protection according to the Annotated Bible Notes. Imagine how awkward this must have been for Ruth and Boaz alike. She had willingly placed herself in a position that presented the possibility of rejection. She also trusted that Boaz would honor her virtue and not take advantage of her. We continue to witness Ruth following Naomi’s direction and God’s care and protection of his children. You can imagine Ruth almost holding her breath as she waits for Boaz’s response.

Ruth 3:10 Then he said, "May you be blessed of the LORD, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich.

Boaz responds favorably with a blessing toward Ruth. Ruth has shown care to follow what was expected of her according to Jewish law – that is to seek to continue the family name by appropriation of a kinsman redeemer. Remember the information we were given in Chapter two of Ruth’s piety as she went home each evening after work instead of being out and about (Ruth 2:23). Finding a younger man, whether rich or poor, could have been the main concern for Ruth. Yet, she was more interested in carrying on the family’s name and inheritance. This strongly speaks of sincerity in her desire to honor Naomi and her late husband’s family. She is not focused entirely on her own benefits but on the greater good for those involved.

Consider. What is the difference between selfishness and selflessness? There are times when doing the ‘right’ thing is difficult or does not seem rewarding. Taking care to know God’s word, to seek His direction in all circumstances, is a benefit to each of us. Proof of our genuine desire to follow God puts our own wants last as we place His truths first. Selfish motives and actions please the doer; righteous motives and actions bless others and honors God.

Boaz was an honorable man. He did not take advantage of Ruth. Rather he recognized her virtuous character. Ruth chose to follow Naomi instead of staying in Moab, which would have proven a greater opportunity to marry. Ruth chose to dedicate herself to the care of her mother-in-law instead of going about the town in the evenings. Ruth chose to follow Naomi’s instructions carefully instead of doing things her own way or perhaps in a way that made more sense to her at the time – even to the extent of placing herself in what might have been a questionable position. Her desire to be obedient is protected by God’s hand and direction.

Romans 8:27-28 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to [the will of] God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [His] purpose.

Choosing to observe Godly instruction is an example to follow.

Ruth 2:22-3:2

When someone offers to help, and encourages us towards a wise direction, it is prudent to listen to their sound advice. There are instances where others may recognize what we are unable to see.

Ruth 2:22-23; 3:1-2

After Ruth shared more of the interaction between herself and Boaz, Naomi continued to encourage Ruth to listen to Boaz’s directions. Ruth 2:22 And Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, "It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his maids, lest [others] fall upon you in another field." Picture Ruth in this new situation – an unfamiliar land with customs that are new to her and a culture she may not completely understand – Boaz and Naomi have taken care to protect and encourage Ruth. Boaz has offered wise advice and Naomi tells Ruth to follow His suggestion.

Sometimes, we are unsure of the direction to turn. God often uses those around us as encouragement.

Do we listen to the wise recommendations of others?
Do we seek counsel from God’s word to help us avoid danger?

Naomi tells Ruth it is good to follow Boaz’s instruction. The Family Bible Notes says this, “When in a course which we find by experience to be safe and useful, and in which the Lord blesses us, it is ordinarily wise to persevere and not be disposed to change”. In other words, if what you have been doing is blessed by God, do not turn to a different direction!

As we read the special care Boaz is offering Ruth, it seems he may have some personal interest in her. Perhaps Naomi is recognizing the possibility of Boaz’s fondness toward Ruth. If Ruth continues to glean in Boaz’s fields, her safety is assured and she will send a positive message that she is grateful for his attention. The following observation is made in the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary, “the observant mind of the old matron had already discerned, in all Boaz’ attentions to Ruth, the germs of a stronger affection, which she wished to increase”.

When someone offers to help, and encourages us towards a wise direction, it is prudent to listen to their sound advice. There are instances where others may recognize what we are unable to see. Ruth chose to return with Naomi to Bethlehem to care for her and to follow her God. Naomi is watching out for Ruth and is helping to guide her with instruction. In the last verse of this chapter, we read that Ruth does indeed heed the advice of her mother-in-law and accepts the favor of Boaz.

Ruth 2:23 So she stayed close by the maids of Boaz in order to glean until the end of the barley harvest and the wheat harvest. And she lived with her mother-in-law. Ruth joined the female workers in Boaz’s fields, following behind them as the grain was cut, gleaning what was left behind. Ruth worked in the fields during both barley and wheat harvests. This is a considerable length of time. Barley harvest began in early spring in March and wheat harvest was toward the end of May or beginning of June. Ruth worked in the fields approximately three to four months through both harvests.

There is every reason to assume that Ruth experienced the kindness of Boaz throughout these several months of work. It is probable that the pleasant interaction between them continued. The last sentence of Ruth 2:23 says that Ruth “lived with her mother-in-law”. This is not to go unnoticed. Ruth lived with Naomi. Lived <yashab> means to sit down, to dwell, to remain. Ruth returned to Naomi each day after her work in the fields. This piece of information says something about Ruth’s character.

Picture Ruth working long days in the fields, she gleaned what she was able in order to provide food for herself and Naomi. She then goes back to her lodging with Naomi in the evening and cares for her. They probably engage in conversation about the day’s events and Naomi continues to instruct and encourage her in the faith. What Ruth does not do is seek entertainment elsewhere or neglect her mother-in-law. Ruth was young and it may have been tempting to push aside her responsibilities at home in lieu of ‘having fun’ yet she followed God by serving well.

There does not seem to be much indication at this time of Ruth’s attraction to Boaz but she did notice his special treatment for her and as his care grew, she must have been at least intrigued by his actions. Remember where Ruth has come from and where she is now. Consider the section of scripture in Proverbs 3: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life, and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight”, Proverbs 3:1-6.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary explains the Hebrew translation for ‘lived’ or ‘dwelt’ as she ‘sat or continued at home’ meaning “when she had dispatched her occasions abroad, and did not wander or gad abroad, after the manner of idle persons and harlots”.

This is a good example of continuing throughout the day with the responsibilities God has set before us. In other words, there is no ‘me’ time such as ‘I have worked hard all day now I deserve some time to myself’. Taking time for self is somewhat encouraged in our society today. This does not mean you do not have the freedom to enjoy things, but even in recreation, our focus needs to be God-centered, always taking thought as to what actions, words, etc. would be pleasing to the Lord.

Another commentary explains verse 23 with these words, “when harvest ended, she did not gab abroad, but kept her mother company at home; for so the Hebrew, “she sat with her mother-in-law”, Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary.

Ruth’s humility, diligence, and wisdom are examples for us to follow. Her good character sought to honor those in her family. Her faithfulness to her responsibilities and to God was evident to those around her and gained the attention of Boaz. God’s blessings are evident as He directs Ruth’s path in fulfilling His perfect plan.

We begin Chapter 3 with additional instruction from Naomi to Ruth. Earlier Naomi had encouraged Ruth to walk to the fields in the hope of finding a place to gather grain for their food. Ruth did as she was told and reported the events of her day to Naomi. Naomi hears it is Boaz who has shown Ruth kindness and Naomi is looking once again to Ruth’s future.

Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?

Naomi’s concern for her Ruth’s future was demonstrated in Chapter One also when Naomi suggested her daughters-in-law return to their homes rather than follow her into Bethlehem. Ruth 1:9 May the LORD grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. As Naomi was preparing to journey to Bethlehem without Ruth and Orpah, she had shared her heartfelt desire for her daughters-in-law to find a husband and be settled.

According to what Naomi understands of Jewish law, she now sees an opportunity for Ruth in Palestine with Boaz. Her desire for Ruth is to have a home. Remember the ‘special’ attention Boaz seemed to show toward Ruth after he asked his worker who she was. Boaz was certainly aware of where he stood in the line of Elimelech’s family.

Look at the words used in Ruth 3:1.

“shall I not seek security for you” – this means to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); to strive after; desire, make inquisition, procure … a settled spot, figuratively a home or place of rest.

“that it may be well with you” – to make well, literally – sound, beautiful; figuratively – happy, successful, right: to be accepted, to make better …

Naomi truly has a desire for Ruth’s future to be blessed and she lets Ruth know what she is thinking. Perhaps Naomi feels even more responsible to procure a better life for her daughter-in-law because she realizes Ruth’s sacrifice in giving up all she knew in order to help Naomi and follow her God. Naomi is encouraged by Boaz’s treatment of Ruth and she knows he is in a place to redeem the family’s name and offer Ruth a better future. Jewish law had set in place a way to preserve a family’s name if a death occurred without having children. Deuteronomy 25:5 says, "When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be [married] outside [the family] to a strange man. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her”.

Recall that women at that time were largely dependent on their male relatives or husbands to provide the means for shelter, food and clothing. There was a need for a woman to work in the home full time. Just imagine all the daily tasks involved in running your home smoothly. We have so many conveniences; it is difficult to imagine life without them. Machines wash our clothes and our dishes. Purchases of ready-made food and clothing can be made only a few miles away.

In Ruth 3:1, we have an account of Naomi’s care for Ruth and her desire that Ruth not be confined to the uncertain and difficult life they were now living.

Do we seek the welfare of others?
Do we have a genuine concern for their future?

Naomi continues her conversation with Ruth, with an explanation of the plan she is about to propose. She goes on to remind Ruth of Boaz’s position in the family line (Ruth 2:20). He is their kinsman, their relative. Ruth 3:2 "And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maids you were? Behold, he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight.

Ruth found herself gleaning in a field, which belonged to Boaz, a relative of her late-husband (Ruth 2:3). Boaz had shown her exceeding kindness in the fields (Ruth 2:8). Naomi recalls this information and adds that Boaz would be working on the threshing floor that evening.

“He winnoweth barley tonight It is very likely that the winnowing of grain was effected by taking up, in a broad thin vessel or sieve, a portion of the corn, and letting it down slowly in the wind; thus the grain would, by its own weight, fall in one place, while the chaff, would be carried to a distance by the wind. It is said here that this was done at night; probably what was threshed out in the day was winnowed in the evening, when the sea breeze set in, which was common in Palestine; and as this took place in the evening only, that was the time in which they would naturally winnow their corn.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

The Annotated Bible Notes says, “It was important that the owner should look well after his produce, to secure it from depredations; and he would therefore be likely to sleep at the threshing-floor.”

Matthew Poole’s Commentary gives this description of the area where grain was winnowed, “A place covered at the top, but open elsewhere, whither Ruth might easily come. And this work of winnowing corn was usually begun or ended with a feast …”

In our next study in Ruth, we will consider the very specific instructions Naomi gives.

Dear Jesus,

Each of us has a response to the current happenings in our world.

My grandson’s prayer this morning – “Dear Jesus, please make the bad germ go away”. Each of us, believers or not, would heartily say Amen to this prayer of a child.

Covid19 has turned most lives upside down. Some have gone from packed schedules to no schedules. Those in community service work have more responsibilities than they can handle, working double-shifts in order to accommodate those in need and keep our cities running. We actively try to steady our own fear while encouraging others to remain calm. It is surreal to think we are living through a pandemic that will be written in history books for generations not yet born.

The bad germ will go away. Lives will return to a new ‘normal’, whatever that is. Schedules will once again be packed, work will pick up, or slowdown in some cases. Fear will recede to the back of our minds. There will be scars, but we will go on. And, for some, the feeling of need for God’s intervention will sadly fade …

Will you still pray, “Dear Jesus”?

A five-year-old child understands the power of God’s hand. While no mortal man is able to corral Covid19, Jesus is able, and He will in His time. Jeremiah 32:17 says, “Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee”.

God’s power in the universe is displayed for all to see, from the tiniest of detail to the magnitude of the tallest mountain. Walk outside and notice the small detail on a flower made with stamens for the bee to collect pollen. This is the remarkable hand of our Creator. Look to the height of the hills around you and stand in awe of the One who caused them to form.

He will use this time in our lives for His glory and His purpose. Each of us has a response to the current happenings in our world. The most important question to ask others and ourselves is ‘Have you personally trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Will you lay aside the things of earth to follow the God of heaven? God’s great power is displayed in the miracle of saving souls. When explaining this to His disciples Jesus said, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

There is no one else able to save the soul of man. There is no One more powerful to place our trust in for all things. Will you kneel at Jesus’ feet as a child and pray – Dear Jesus.

Be Still …

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

There is a story of a friendship in the Bible that gives us a strong picture of faith and trust in God – Elijah and Elisha. In 2 Kings Chapter 2, Elijah was about to be taken up to heaven and Elisha was with him.

We have to pause right here and understand the significance of what is happening. The taking up of Elijah is usually what we concentrate on in this story because it’s an incredible miracle in itself. However, consider what else is about to happen: the loss of a friendship, a close friendship. Elijah would be leaving. Elijah was Elisha’s teacher, that person who probably knew him best. There was probably joy in Elisha’s heart for his friend, knowing what would soon take place. But think of the sadness that must be present also. Elisha knew that he would soon be without Elijah. Twice Elisha was questioned by others about what was to happen.

2Kings 2:3 Then the sons of the prophets who [were at] Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he said, "Yes, I know; be still."

2Kings 2:5 And the sons of the prophets who [were] at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he answered, "Yes, I know; be still."

Pay close attention to the response in both sections of scripture above. Be still. Consider. Elisha’s mentor, his best friend, his confidant, is about to leave forever. Humanly speaking, this is heart wrenching. Yet, we see the trust that is displayed in Elisha’s response to others who are unsettled. Imagine the thoughts of those around them. ‘Do something’! ‘How can you be okay with what is going to happen’? ‘Do you understand what is going to occur’? Elisha did fully understand. He also had complete faith in God and trusted in His plans. Be still.

In the KJV, the words are translated, ‘hold your peace’. Chashah: to hush or keep quiet, be silent, be still.

This is not ‘be still’ for a moment. It is keep still, ongoing, remembering continuously Who is in control, Who has the better plan – the perfect plan.

Psalm 46:10 "Cease [striving] and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Cease striving, what a needed phrase! It means to slacken, to abate, cease, to be faint, be feeble, be idle, to leave, to let alone, be still. Many of us need to learn how to be still!

There is painted for us in scripture a beautiful picture of giving up of ourselves, our concerns, our drive that something has to be done, and our attitude of fixing it, to the hands of God. Rest, be quiet, pray – He has it all under control. I cannot tell you how often I need to remember this as I am trying to serve within my many human limitations of strength and understanding! This is definitely not giving up as in ‘I quit’, rather, it is giving up to the One who can do anything and will do everything in His time and His plan.

Perhaps the oft-heard reminder of ‘letting go’ and ‘letting God’ is a good one. But not in the sense that the world views this phrase. The Bible does not tell us to let go and let God. We need to be discerning about what is truth and what just sounds good. The world has penned this phrase, not God. We are to be about doing, so just sitting back and letting things happen is not acceptable. Doing nothing, having no motivation, taking it easy, and watching the world around us is not our calling as God’s children. We are in the middle of a spiritual battle, and to do nothing would hardly be the purpose of a soldier. However, we do need to let go of the thought that we do need to let go of the thought that we are in control. We need to be diligent, we need to strive to serve with all the ability we have been given, but we also need to remember that God is the driver; it is His work in us and through us that we seek after. Let go – to the confidence you can have in Him, to the peace that results from that confidence, and the rest that comes from knowing He has a perfect plan.

Here, in the midst of suffering, we see peace from trusting in God’s purpose. Think of it as acquiescing to God’s plan and His power to bring things about perfectly. God does not need us to agree with Him, but when we choose to trust His plan, we are a step closer to peace. We need to ‘let go’ and ‘not be anxious’ about everything we cannot figure out or fix. Be still.

When we choose to be still in God’s plan, Philippians 4:8 tells us distinctly what we can be about doing as we wait and trust in God.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

We are also encouraged by the promised result of following God’s truth as we look at the next verse in the same Chapter of Philippians.

Php 4:9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

Peace: quietness, rest

Be still…Be still…Be still…Be still…be still…be still.

Confusion or Confidence

Our confidence and security are found in Christ alone. Even in difficult or uncertain times, joy and peace can fill your heart when focused on God. The temptation of man is to try to figure things out for himself. It is difficult to live in an unsettled time, yet we have great assurance in God’s truths.

Trust in man results in fatal consequences for the future. Trust in God results in blessings now and for eternity. For a time, it might seem we do okay on our own, but we will eventually pay a price in the future and become confused in our direction. Following our own selfish desires rather than bowing before God’s direction through His word, will eventually lead to our destruction.

Do you trust in man or God?
Is your confidence in the Lord who created and knows all things, or is it in your own abilities or man’s intelligence?

You could say that right now, during this pandemic of Covid19, trust at its central core, is being challenged. If your trust is in your finances, take a look at the stock market. If your trust is in your employment, notice how many businesses have closed. If your trust is in your health, it seems no one is exempt from the possibility of catching this virus.

Jeremiah 17:5-6 gives us the result of trusting in man. Verses 7-8 tell of the blessings of trusting in God.

Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD.

Are you walking closer with Him or walking away, seeking comfort in other areas?

“Trials will come, even as heat and drought try every tree, but faith sets the believer above circumstances, and makes him always flourish”. Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

Ps 84:12 O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!

Notice the wording of Jeremiah 17:7 – Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. Not only is our trust to be placed in Jehovah God, our trust is Jehovah God. There is no room for anyone or anything else when it comes to our loyalty. Our trust resides in God, the character of who He is, what He has done and what He has promised. This is called security. This is called blessing, God’s favor upon His children.

How is man blessed by placing His trust in God alone?

Jeremiah 17:8 "For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.

This is a clear word picture. Consider the contrast between a tree that has water coming from deep within the ground, and one that has an irregular sprinkling of water from the surface. The one grows large roots that run deep as they migrate toward their source of nourishment. The other grows shallow roots that lie on the surface. What happens when there is no rain and the ground dries out from heat and wind? The roots become weak. Have you pulled a dying tree or shrub from the ground only to find its roots were barley attached to the surface? It becomes obvious that it lacked the right nourishment to build a strong structure.

The tree is you. The waters are God. The source of your nourishment is God. When you are grounded in His truths, you will remain in them even as difficult circumstances come your way. Even better, you will continue to flourish, God will give you opportunities to share His hope and peace with others. Your trust in Him will remain strong and grow as you rely on Him. Your ministry may look different but it will continue.

Psalm 1:2-3 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree [firmly] planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.

God blesses each of His children as they trust in Him alone. In His truths, you can remain strong, hopeful, and joyful for the future.

Step Out In Faith

Psalm 136: 13-15

The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean. It lies between Africa and Asia. It is more than 1,300 miles long and its widest point is 220.6 miles. The average depth of the Red sea is over 1,500 feet with a deep trough running through the center. This information is taken from Wikipedia which also states that approximately 25% of this body of water is considered shallow, being under 164 feet deep.

Ps 136:13-15 To Him who divided the Red Sea asunder, For His lovingkindness is everlasting, 14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it, For His lovingkindness is everlasting; 15 But He overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

In these verses we continue to see the power and protection of God towards His children.

Ex 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. 22 The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Ps 78:13 He divided the sea and caused them to pass through, And He made the waters stand up like a heap.

We see God’s power in directing the water. Can anyone you know cause a body of water to part, making a pathway to cross over and forming a wall of water on each side? Consider the scene. The children of Israel, finally being let go under Pharaoh’s rule in Egypt, take off into the desert, basically running for their life. Pharaoh’s army begins the chase and the Israelites come to an impasse – the Red Sea. They were tired, they were scared and now it seemed there was no way to continue their exit.

We see God’s compassion as He performs a miracle causing the deep waters to part. God not only provided a way of escape but, after all the Israelites had crossed, God then caused the waters to flow once again engulfing the entire Egyptian Army.

Read Spurgeon’s comments on this text, “Men deny miracles; but, granted that there is a God, they become easy of belief. Since it requires me to be an atheist that I may logically reject miracles, I prefer the far smaller difficulty of believing in the infinite power of God. He who causes the waters of the sea ordinarily to remain as one mass can with equal readiness divide them”. (Treasury of David)

God also gives His children the faith to walk through difficulties. Can you imagine stepping onto a path surrounded by high walls of water? The path set out for the Israelites was unknown. They were to walk down into the deep center of the great sea and then trek up again as they crossed to the other side. While they were stepping forward in faith, God kept a dark cloud between them and the Egyptian army.

In Christ, we can do whatever He deems necessary for His glory. Our God is great. Our faith needs to be great. We can step forward without fear in the paths set out before us. What we might see as an obstacle, God will use for His glory.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Isaiah 41:10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Psalm 78:53 He led them safely, so that they did not fear; but the sea engulfed their enemies.

“…and thus the Lord makes his people willing to pass through afflictions, he being with them; and able to bear them, he putting underneath the everlasting arms, even when in the valley of the shadow of death. He carries them safely through them, so that they are not hurt by them; the waters do not overflow them, nor the flames kindle upon them; nor are any suffered to be lost: but all come safe to land.” --John Gill.

When we think of defeating an army, our mind conjures up pictures of a great battle and loss of life on both sides. Battles in the world begin with no guarantee of victory to either party. Strategy and strength and number and weaponry help to overcome the enemy.

Psalm 136:15 says God overthrew Pharaoh and his army, meaning He shook them off or tossed them up and down. Visualize a dog playing with a stuffed toy, shaking it from side to side as if it were nothing! God has no problem subduing His opposition.

Ex 15:4-5 "Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; and the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea. 5 "The deeps cover them; they went down into the depths like a stone.

Ex 15:10 "You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters.

There is never a debate if God will win. Victory is easy for Him. In this specific reminder of His care, not one Israeli life was lost and the entire Egyptian army was eradicated. This is the God I trust. Is this the God you know? Have you placed your complete trust in the one true God of the Bible? Would you, by faith, follow Him through a path that was unknown and made no sense in your human understanding?

Again, each of these three verses ends with the words, “For His lovingkindness is everlasting”. God does shower His mercy upon those who love Him but He is also great in His judgement against those who reject Him.

In Psalm 136:13-15, God’s power is seen in His command over the Red Sea; God’s compassion is seen in giving the Israelites faith and courage to move towards something inexplicable; and His judgement is seen as He renders His sentence over the wicked. Although this account took place in mid-15th century B.C., we see God’s amazing attributes all around us today, working in our lives and the lives of others.

God commands all nature; compassion from God towards sinners is constant; and He will judge sin in complete righteousness. God is all-powerful and His protection is over those who follow Him. He will give to us the faith we need to step forward on the path He leads. Praise His Name!

Ruth 1:19-22

Everything we have is a blessing from God’s hand – undeserved, unmerited, unwarranted. Do we recognize His blessings when we have them? Do we hold blessings loosely, understanding they are not ours to own?

As we near the end of the first chapter in Ruth, Orpah has returned back to Moab and Naomi and Ruth begin their journey on to Bethlehem. After much persuasion on Naomi’s part for Ruth to return to her own family, Ruth makes it perfectly clear she will accompany Naomi, adopt her culture, her people and her God. We are not given information about the actual trek through desert land yet we can imagine it was not an easy journey. However they did make it and verse nineteen picks up with the two women arriving in Bethlehem. Once they entered the town, people gathered as they recognized Naomi.

Ruth 1:19 So they both went until they came to Bethlehem. And when they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was stirred because of them, and the women said, "Is this Naomi?"

Recall, Naomi had been gone for about ten years. Her family must have been known for her name to be remembered. As Naomi and Ruth approach Bethlehem, old friends and acquaintances of Naomi are excited to greet them. Most likely news had traveled that Naomi was now a widow and destitute, which was an obvious contrast to the young family of Elimelech who had departed from Bethlehem a decade earlier.

Consider how difficult this must have been for Naomi. Once she was the young bride of Elimelech, probably of significant financial means, enjoying youth, marriage and children. Now she has returned to her hometown minus all but perhaps the clothes on her back, worn and tired from difficult circumstances and a long arduous journey. She is no doubt feeling the heaviness of how her life has changed and her loss of husband and children.

There is a simple question recorded for us at the end of verse nineteen, “Is this Naomi?” We wonder in what spirit this question asked. Perhaps it is out of surprise or curiosity. Maybe the question is one of care and concern. It is good for each of us to remember how quickly our lives can change! Read the following verse.

Ps 103:15-16 As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer.

Our lives are short and uncertain. God’s word is everlasting and sure. Everything we have is a blessing from God’s hand – undeserved, unmerited, unwarranted. Do we recognize His blessings when we have them? Do we hold blessings loosely, understanding they are not ours to own?

Think about the response of the town towards Naomi’s return. What is our response when someone leaves for a while and returns heavy-hearted? What is our reaction when someone encounters difficulty? Is our heart quick to cast judgement or do we show compassion?

Thomas Haweis lived in the 18 century and was a key figure in the evangelical revival. Read what he writes about Ruth 1:19 –

1. Of the reception they met with. Collecting together on the rumour of her return, the women who remembered her former beauty and affluence, and now beheld her wrinkles and poverty, some perhaps in pity, some in scorn and upbraiding, and some in surprise, said, Is this Naomi? Note,

(1.) Age and wrinkles make strange alterations on the fairest face. It is a poor thing to be vain of what is so fading.

(2.) They who have any feelings of humanity, and much more those who have the bowels of Christ, will seek compassionately to alleviate the sorrows of the miserable.

(3.) They who have carried themselves most humble in prosperity, will be most regarded in adversity.

The next two verses in Ruth give us insight into Naomi’s struggle with the tragedies that have befallen her. Her response to the questions and raised eyebrows of her changed circumstances is heart wrenching.

Ruth 1:20-21 She said to them, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 "I went out full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has witnessed against me and the Almighty has afflicted me?"

In the previous verse (19), we read it was the women who questioned Naomi. Most of us are blessed with close friendships, those we are connected to and perhaps know us a bit better than other acquaintances. You can almost hear the surprise in these women’s voices as they see Naomi again after ten years of her absence. Sorrow and poverty have most likely taken a toll on Naomi as well as the normal process of aging. It would be expected that she look different. She probably looks weaker physically because of the journey from Moab and the draining of her emotions from her experienced loss. The change in Naomi is recognizable and drastic and is difficult to ignore.

Naomi returns to Bethlehem with a heart full of sorrow. She has no means, no husband and no children. Each of us will encounter affliction in our lives. How will we react? Naomi’s name actually means pleasant or cheerful. Of course, at this point, her name doesn’t seem to fit what has befallen her. She shares the pain in her heart by her response in verse twenty. “Call me Mara”, meaning bitter or sorrowful. Hopefully at this point, the reader is feeling compassion with Naomi. Her discouragement is evident and is encompassing her attitude. We are all subject to hardship. Life can present many unexpected and uninvited tragedies. Are we prepared with God’s armor? What is our attitude when difficult things happen? How do we let circumstances affect our focus? At this low point in Naomi’s life, the name Mara seems more fitting and descriptive of her broken heart.

Naomi recognizes God has allowed grief in her life. Each of us can expect God’s correction and discipline through circumstances. Some of these difficult times may be brought from our own decisions and some from God’s loving hand of teaching us to grow in our dependence and trust of Him.

Job 5:17 "Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD, and whom You teach out of Your law;

Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Revelation 3:19 'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

In Ruth 1:21 Naomi states her position to those greeting her. She left Bethlehem with a husband and children and she has returned without them. She has experienced incredible grief. No matter the circumstances or the cause, loss is hard. Personal casualty is painful. It is even more painful when we recognize it has befallen us because of unwise decisions on our part. Naomi attributes her chastening from God as a direct punishment. Have you suffered loss or disappointment because of God’s direct hand of discipline for your sin? I would be willing to state that each of us can understand Naomi’s plight if only to a small degree.

The book of Job begins with giving all glory to God in all circumstances, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). The book begins well but certainly Job suffered his moments of overwhelming grief upon the loss of his family and livelihood and even turned to questioning God’s hand of judgement. Read Job 19:6 – “Know then that God has wronged me and has closed His net around me”. Who are we to ever question what God does or what He allows? But even the strongest men and women of faith can succumb to the stress of heavy burdens for a short time. Have you ever felt closed in by all sides with difficulty in all directions? How do you respond? How should you respond?

Look back to the scriptures above. Chastening is proof that you are God’s child. He cannot allow sin to go unpunished and He will be faithful to continue to discipline us and train us to be used for His glory. Even when we do not understand, we have an opportunity to trust. What we do not see is Naomi making excuses or complaining. She simply states the truth – she acknowledges God’s hand against her, and she accepts His perfect and righteous judgement.

Hannah, upon the birth of her son Samuel, recognizes the power and right of God to do whatever He deems necessary in people’s lives. 1Samuel 2:7-8 "The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. 8 "He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and He set the world on them.”

We can easily live our lives with expectations of what we think should happen or even what we think we deserve. The reality is, God will do what He desires for His greater purpose and glory. When we step into the world as an adult, we set forth a ‘plan’ in our mind of how things will go. If we begin college, our expectation is to finish college. If we have a desire to marry, we anticipate meeting someone. When it is time to have children, [we think] we make decisions of when and how many. Then if we are blessed with children, we plan for the fulfillment of dreams we have for them. Goals are necessary to keep us motivated but they need to be held loosely. God is the one driving the car, calling the shots, and steering the boat. However you want to look at it, we are not our own.

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.

Deuteronomy 32:6b Is not He your Father who has bought you? He has made you and established you.

Romans 14:6-8 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. 7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

The first chapter of Ruth concludes with the information that Naomi and Ruth had returned to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. Perfect timing, right? God’s hand is in all things!

Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned, and with her Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, who returned from the land of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.

Harvest was in the spring, perhaps March or April. This timing would have afforded Ruth the best opportunity to provide for herself and Naomi since it was the beginning of the season.

Naomi is home after ten years of sojourning in Moab. She has returned without her husband and sons. Her strong witness of faith to the God of Israel has made an impression upon one of her daughter in laws. God has used Naomi’s example in Ruth’s heart. Ruth chooses to leave her culture and family for the one true God. She vehemently insists on adopting the culture, people and God of the Jewish nation. With a broken heart and an empty purse, Naomi is greeted by her home town. She is recognizably changed, in her words chastened by God. Yet her afflicted heart will continue to trust God’s sovereignty. In chapter two of this book, Naomi will encourage Ruth by her words and example to place her faith in God’s plan and promises.

Chasing Rainbows

Do we easily become discontent with our circumstances? Do we hastily try to fix things on our own? Do we prayerfully consider if there is truly a call to change direction or does our trust in God need to grow?

The book of Ruth is sandwiched between Judges and 1 Samuel, acting as an appendix to Judges and an introduction to 1st and 2nd Samuel. Ruth is the shortest of the historical books and at its conclusion, it contains the genealogy of Jesus. God uses all things for His glory – including an unsuspecting foreigner from a heathen land! The exact time Ruth was written and the author of Ruth is somewhat uncertain. We have a general period of time that the writings of Ruth took place during the days when the judges ruled and during a time of severe famine. There are three possibilities of authorship: Hezekiah, Ezra and Samuel, with most theologians agreeing on Samuel as the author. With this bit of background information, let’s begin our study.

Ruth 1:1-2 Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. 2 And the name of the man [was] Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi; and the names of his two sons [were] Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem in Judah. Now they entered the land of Moab and remained there.

When – The days when the judges governed.

Where – Bethlehem in Judah and the land of Moab

Who – Elimelech (el-ee-meh’-lek), Naomi, Mahlon (makh-lone’) and Chilion (kil-yone’) – a family from Bethlehem

The setting of this book quickly moves from Bethlehem to Moab. There was a famine in the land, a judgment on the Jewish nation from God foretold in Leviticus chapter 26.

Leviticus 26:19-20 'And I will also break down your pride of power; I will also make your sky like iron and your earth like bronze. 20 'And your strength shall be spent uselessly, for your land shall not yield its produce and the trees of the land shall not yield their fruit.

During this time of famine, Elimelech chose to relocate his family to a more fertile area – Moab, a country south-east of Judah (Palestine). This was in order to provide for his family. Here’s a thought to consider: on one hand this move seems good in the caring of his family. Yet, it begs the question of perhaps trying to get by with less and trusting God more. Sometimes necessity dictates a move or change in direction, yet, not always. Moving to a land which was known to worship heathen Gods would directly influence Elimelech’s family. Waiting patiently upon God’s provision and answers is a choice we can all make.

Bring these questions even closer to your own personal circumstances. Think! Sometimes, when we choose to make a change which seems for the better, we are avoiding a deeper problem. For instance, I heard a conversation between two individuals where one was determined to move out of state because it was becoming too liberal. This may be true, however, the opportunity to share truth becomes greater when we are surrounded by unbelief. Did Jesus hang around only those who thought like he did? Could the real problem reside in our own discomfort or disconnect with a church family to encourage us? Are we chasing after the hollow promise that ‘things will be better’ in general if we make a move?

Most people have heard the idiom, ‘chasing after rainbows’. In our human thinking we can easily be distracted by the thought that there is something better to attain, somewhere better to live, a better career to pursue, and sadly, even a better relationship then the ones we have. The truth is we have everything to live a life honoring to God right where we are. There is no need to chase after something more. To my knowledge, no one has been able to catch a rainbow!

We do have freedoms to make decisions we think are best but let’s not make choices based on discontent. God placed each of us right where He wants us and He will use our circumstances for His glory if we are obedient to His calling. This can be applied in many different areas of life – our families, our careers, the number of children we may or may not have, our relationships, our geographical location, our health, the home in which we live, and on and on. We can choose to trust that God will use us where He put us; He will provide for us and care for us if we sincerely desire to follow Him.

Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.

Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and [yet] your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

The Family Bible Notes says: “To remove, from a regard to worldly circumstances merely, out of a land of religious light and privileges to a land of darkness and idolatry, is a course full of danger, and likely to terminate in distress.”

As we continue in the next verse of Ruth, we indeed see that grief entered into Elimelech’s family.

Ruth 1:3-4 Then Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left with her two sons. 4 And they took for themselves Moabite women [as] wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. And they lived there about ten years.

There is no exact time frame to follow regarding Elimelech’s death. It may have been shortly after the family arrived in Moab. Naomi was left with her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. We are only somewhat familiar with the impact that Elimelech’s death would have on his family. We need to step back in time and culture to fully appreciate the dire circumstance this mother found herself in.

According to The Complete Guide to the Bible, written by Stephen M. Miller, “Widows, along with orphans and immigrants, were among the most vulnerable people in Bible times. It was a man’s world. Women were minors in a court of law – like kids today. Women were also the property of men – fathers, husbands, or sons. So women generally weren’t allowed to own property or conduct business. They weren’t considered capable of that since their education was typically limited to household matters: cooking, sewing, and hauling water.”

No matter the culture we live in or the circumstances we find ourselves, whether in trouble because of our own poor choices or being disciplined through God’s love, He has promised to care for His children. God will guide us through the greatest difficulties – always for His glory.

Psalm 34:4, 19 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Hebrews 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Do we hold on to God’s promises even when our own circumstances seem dire? We are never beyond God’s reach if we seek Him. No trouble or problem takes God by surprise. We can always find peace and security as we seek to follow Him.

Naomi finds herself a widowed mother of two sons. Ruth 1:4 gives us information that her sons seemed to have integrated fairly well into a society that did not honor God. In Bethlehem, the family had followed Jewish law and at least Naomi had continued on in that belief enough for Ruth to take notice later in this chapter.

Perhaps without strong leadership from their father Elimelech, Mahlon and Chilion had forgotten or decided to forego the teaching of their God. If we have been blessed with family, it is extremely important to consider the time we have with them as an opportunity to teach them by our speech and our example, of God truths.

Mahlon and Chilion married Orpah and Ruth – Moabite women. Reading the Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary definition of the word ‘took’ translated from nasa’ is interesting. There are several applications but what stood out to me were the words ‘accept’ and ‘yield’. These descriptions caused me to consider the importance of who we constantly place around us and the influence of culture. While we need to be out in the world, the necessity to guard against the enticement of sin is of utmost importance. It is easy to begin to think differently even without our immediate notice. Jewish law stated it was a grievance against God for Mahlon and Chilion to marry outside of their belief.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4 "Furthermore, you shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their daughters for your sons. "For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and He will quickly destroy you.

‘Them’ refers to the foreign nations which were known to worship heathen gods. The nation of Israel was told to have nothing to do with them, ‘make no covenants with them and show no favor to them’ (Deuteronomy 7:1-2).

Ezra 9:1 Now when these things had been completed, the princes approached me, saying, "The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, according to their abominations, [those] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

If you have spent time with children that are school age, you have certainly witnessed the surprising words and actions they repeat that they’ve been exposed to on the playground. Often, they are unaware what inappropriate words or actions even mean, they have just been influenced and are copying what they see to fit in. Influence happens quickly. Consider the impact of a television show or movie. Children, and sometimes adults, quickly pick up on a phrase or event and repeat what they’ve seen and heard. If you have worked outside the home, you understand how easy it is for mannerisms to ‘rub off’ on you. ‘Worldly’ behaviors can be adopted into our lifestyle if we are constantly surrounded by them. It is imperative that we fight against their influence. We do not and should not live in a protective bubble, but we must guard that our awareness does not become dull.

Have you been negatively influenced? How do you stay aware so this doesn’t happen? Are you careful to guard your heart or are you careless in choosing to constantly being exposed to things that dishonor God?

We can quickly think that we are impervious to poor influence in our walk. Years ago, one of my children began picking up an attitude. With this attitude was the rolling of the eyes which was done as a definite sign of disrespect against authority. Of course, this child was disciplined for this behavior – several times and over what seemed to be an agonizingly long period. To my dismay, unbeknownst to me, I had picked up this same expression from him. I didn’t even realize it until I was in the front yard working with my husband and he said something to me that apparently I didn’t agree with or didn’t like. I rolled my eyes at my husband, which he didn’t see, fortunately. One of my neighbors however, who had been talking with us, did see my rude expression. Needless to say I was embarrassed, humiliated and horrified and apologies followed. I had not meant to be disrespectful to my husband, but had picked up on the expression I had seen so often in our child! Influenced – guilty as charged.

Back to our account of Ruth. After about ten years, we read in the next verse of this section that Mahlon and Chilion died.

Ruth 1:5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; and the woman was bereft of her two children and her husband.

According to some commentaries, the death of Naomi’s sons may have been judgement upon them for marrying women who were not Israelites. In any case, in the course of ten years, Naomi is without her husband and sons and in a place of strangers. This situation truly is desperate in that time with no means of support and no males in the family to provide.

Fast forward this account of extreme calamity in Naomi’s life and we know God is working all things out for His good and will use her to glorify Himself. This should cause us to remember the lovingkindness of God towards His children even in their often futile attempts at following Him. He does have a plan in spite of our poor judgement and weakness. Our sin is not bigger than God’s grace. Jeremiah reminds the Israelites of this in his letter sent from Jerusalem to those who were captive in Babylon. The Israelites are warned to beware of being deceived in Jeremiah 29:8-9. Then they are reminded that God is continuing to work in their lives and will bless them, in verses 11-13.

God is always faithful to bring about His perfect plan. In the most difficult of circumstances, comfort can always be found in God. Even in Naomi’s extreme condition of sorrow, God is working. He is preparing a young widow’s heart to express compassion and care.

Pray – Trust – Expect

As God hears our loud cries to Him, He not only responds with perfect intelligence but also with lovingkindness. He sees His children with favor. He is gracious and kind and merciful.

Earlier, in Psalm 119:145-148, we looked at David’s focus on prayer and our application – God’s listening to us and our response in obedience. We’ll continue looking at David’s heartfelt cries to God for His mercies as we look at verses 149-151.

Ps 119:149 Hear my voice according to Thy lovingkindness; revive me, O LORD, according to Thine ordinances.

Hear my voice. God hears us with perfect intelligence and complete attention.

First off, we see the word ‘hear’. This comes from <shama> in the Hebrew language. It would seem like something we could just easily skip over but as I read the definition, the first phrase said ‘to hear intelligently’, followed by the words attentively, carefully, certainly, diligently, to discern, and give ear among others.

I am quickly reminded how often I don’t even know what to pray for, or what I truly need. I might think I’ve got the answers but the reality is, if I did, I wouldn’t need God, and I certainly wouldn’t have cause to cry out to Him. So, God hears my incomplete thoughts and words with His perfect intelligence! Just this information alone is comforting, right?! This means, He knows what I truly am praying for even while I have still yet to understand what it is I need. And, God is attentive, He listens with ears open wide to my heart.

Consider. How often are we distracted while listening to someone? How often do we hear only a part of the sentence because our mind is elsewhere? And when we do listen carefully, are we able to hear with perfect understanding?

Of course, the answers are no to the questions above. If we were able to hear and fully understand all that was communicated to us, there would be no arguing because of misinterpretation of someone’s words. We wouldn’t have to wonder what someone truly meant by their words. I’ve personally tried to just take someone’s words for exactly what they say – it doesn’t work!! People seldom express what they are really thinking!

Consider these familiar phrases, “You should join us”, and “We wish you were here”. Is that what is truly meant? Are these sentiments a sincere invitation?

I’ve also tried to consider what others mean – you know, the hidden words that were not used – this doesn’t work either because I can’t read minds or motives. Both of these scenarios just get me in trouble! Perhaps you can relate. Or, perhaps you can share with me, what it is I’m doing wrong  In any case, we are confusing creatures when it comes to communication.

God sees right through it all and looks into our heart. He knows how to hear our words intelligently, He is always attentive and perfectly able to ‘hear’ my true thoughts and then rearrange what I’m pleading to bestow His perfect blessings upon me.

As God hears our loud cries to Him, He not only responds with perfect intelligence but also with lovingkindness. He sees His children with favor. He is gracious and kind and merciful.

You know how sometimes you feel foolish for a request or need you have? Like someone will think you’re silly? This is not so with God! We can go to Him with all our concerns, our desires, our hurts, our rejoicing and anything else and receive His gentleness. There is nothing He doesn’t care about or that is too small or too big for His understanding. Crazy, right?! I pray these truths bring comfort to you as they do to me.

Ps 119:149a Hear my voice according to Thy lovingkindness;

Ps 5:2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to Thee do I pray.

Ps 55:2 Give heed to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted,

Isa 38:14 "Like a swallow, [like] a crane, so I twitter; I moan like a dove; my eyes look wistfully to the heights; O Lord, I am oppressed, be my security.

Ps 69:16 Answer me, O LORD, for Thy lovingkindness is good; According to the greatness of Thy compassion, turn to me,

Do you go to God with the expectation that He will hear you and be gracious to be fully attentive to your cries? When we are the recipient of God’s mercy in our life, then we can look to Him to continue His kindness as we cry to Him.

Ps 51:1 (For the choir director. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him,) (after he had gone in to Bathsheba.) Be gracious to me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Thy compassion blot out my transgressions.

David pleads with God to hear his requests ‘according to God’s lovingkindness’. Not because he has earned some favor with God, not because he deserves for God to look upon him with mercy, but because of what God has done for Him. God hears our cries to Him through the perfection of His Son. We can only approach His throne because of what He has done for us and who we are in Him. Our prayers need to be for the desire of God’s will in our lives. He chooses – according to His lovingkindness – to bless us and give us all that we ask in abundance, in order that we might bring glory to His name.

Ps 119:149b Revive me, O LORD according to Thine ordinances.

In Psalm 119:146, the Psalmist cries to God “save me”. He then goes on in verse 149 with the request “hear me”. Now in this same verse we see the plea, “revive me”.

Often, when we’re in trouble or things look a bit dismal, our answer is to be delivered out of the problem. But here David is requesting that God gives him what is necessary to keep going through the difficulty. His faith is big because his God is big! It’s one thing to pray and hope your requests are heard and answered; it’s another thing altogether to cry to the living God and know He hears and will supply all that is needed! Revive me, quicken me, and preserve me through whatever difficulties You allow in my life – according to Your plan. This is our example of prayer.

Ps 119:132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, After Thy manner with those who love Thy name.

"Quicken me." This is often the very best way of delivering us from trouble, -- to give us more life that we may escape from death; and to add more strength to that life that we may not be overloaded with its burdens. Observe, that he asks to receive quickening according to God's judgment, that is, in such a way as it is consistent with infinite wisdom and prudence. God's methods of communicating greater vigor to our spiritual life are exceedingly wise; it would probably be in vain for us to attempt to understand them; and it will be our wisdom to wish to receive grace, not according to our notion of how it should come to us, but according to God's heavenly method of bestowing it. It is his prerogative to make alive as well as to kill, and that sovereign act is best left to his infallible judgment. Hath he not already given us to have life more and more abundantly? "Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence." Treasury of David

Do we depend on God’s goodness towards us in His answers to our prayers? What is our expectation when we cry to God?

We can follow the example we’ve been given. We can expect that God will hear us. We can expect that God will hear us because of His mercy towards us. We can expect that God will strengthen us. We can expect that God will answer us according to His perfect judgement. This is not ‘getting what we want’. Praying to God does not have our benefit at its core but rather, it has God’s glory as its intention.

As we continue to the next verse in Psalm 119, David is feeling even a bit more unsettled as he witnesses hostility closing in around him.

Ps 119:150 Those who follow after wickedness draw near; they are far from Thy law.

1Sa 23:26 And Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain; and David was hurrying to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to seize them.

There is quite a contrast here between desiring to obey and follow after God and being far from God. This is the age old story of good versus evil. David is holding fast to truth even as he sees the evil intent of those who are after him. Unlike David who is near to God and desiring to obey His law, those who are following after wickedness are far from God.

David is in trouble. What is his reaction? He continues to draw near to God and seek his protection from Him. God is faithful!

Ps 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD, and all Thy commandments are truth.

1Th 5:24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

De 4:7 "For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD our God whenever we call on Him?

The promise for us is not that we will avoid dangers and difficulties from those who are settled on causing trouble, but that God will bless us according to His word as we trust in His deliverance through tough times.

In these times, we have the opportunity to rely upon God’s lovingkindness and mercy and seek His comfort as we cry to Him in prayer. We can be assured that although danger seems to be encroaching upon us, God is nearer still to save us.

“Our spiritual enemies, like David's earthly persecutors are ever present and active. The devouring "lion," or the insinuating "serpent" is "nigh to follow after mischief"; and so much the more dangerous, as his approaches are invisible. Nigh also is a tempting, ensnaring world; and nearer still, a lurking world of sin within, separating us from communion with our God. But in turning habitually and immediately to our stronghold, we can enjoy the confidence-- "Thou art near, O Lord." Charles Bridges

Ge 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great."

Ps 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

God is powerful Na 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And the LORD will by no means leave [the guilty] unpunished. In whirlwind and storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

God is just De 32:4 "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

God is faithful 2Ti 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.

God is holy 1Sa 2:2 "There is no one holy like the LORD, Indeed, there is no one besides Thee, nor is there any rock like our God.

God is love 1Jo 4:8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

God hears His children, He is merciful, He will protect us and He will deliver us. We can hold on to these promises.

“If my dearest comforts droop and die, if friends are cool, if the bonds once the firmest, the closest, the tenderest, are torn asunder and dissevered, yet may I still remember, "Thou art near, O Lord," and not afar off. And when the solemn moment shall come, when heart and flesh shall fail, when all earthly things are seen with a dying eye, when I hear thee say, "Thou must die, and not live," then, oh then may I remember, with all the composedness of faith, and all the liveliness of hope, and all the ardour of love, "Thou art near, O Lord." --James Harington Evans, 1785-1849.

Our example is to pray to God in times of trouble, to trust that He will provide either a way out or a way through, and to expect His answers to our cries.

There is comfort in the truth of God’s promises. What is your persuasion …?

Cry With Your Whole Heart

Prayer is not an exercise we take part in; prayer is a tangible way of speaking to God with the expectation that He hears us and answers us.

What is prayer?

WordWeb defines prayer as “The act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving); reverent petition to a deity; an earnest or urgent request”.

Prayer is the act of communicating with deity but not just any deity – the One True God. There is only one God of all creation, of the universe. Prayer to any other source will avail nothing.

De 4:35 "To you it was shown that you might know that the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him.

Isa 44:6 "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me.

The nineteenth section in Psalm 119 begins with several verses devoted to David’s prayers to God.

Ps 119:145 I cried with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will observe Thy statutes.

Ps 119:146 I cried to Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies.

Ps 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Thy words.

Ps 119:148 My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Thy word.

Psalm 119:145 begins with the words, “I cried with all my heart”.

The word for cried means to call out to someone. Notice how David cried – with all his heart. This makes me think of the difference between actual crying for a reason and whining. Whining is making a noise so others notice how unhappy you are. If you’ve ever experienced a three year old doing this, you get the picture!

God doesn’t want just our lip service. Those prayers memorized that are repeated over and over almost as a mantra may make us feel as if we’re doing something good, but do we even know what we’re saying? Is this type of prayer coming from a heart or from a mind that has learned to put words together that sound good? Words are only words. Prayer is not an exercise we take part in; prayer is a tangible way of speaking to God with the expectation that He hears us and answers us.

Consider the different types of conversations you might have with people. Some you’re fully engaged in, others are only informational and sometimes our conversations can be obligatory. Hopefully, we are fully engaged when praying to God, expecting truths from His word to affect our daily lives. Going to God with a heart of gratitude and recognized need is so much more than an obligation.

When we talk about the heart, we are speaking of the feelings, the will, the intellect and the center of who we are. Effective prayer to God needs to be with an understanding of who He is, who we are, and what He has done for us. In order to pray we need to be righteous before Him having accepted the gift of eternal life.

Pr 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Jas 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

We have the example of praying with understanding. Often, people will say they are praying for something, or even praying for us. That’s good! But, just who are they praying too? Is it the God who saves them? Do they know the truth of the Gospel and the power of prayer offered to an Almighty God?

The Psalmist pleads with God to answer him, to hear him. David knows God hears him and because of God’s work in his life, David will be able to keep God’s commands. David’s whole heart is committed to prayer before God and he goes to God with a heart of obedience – desiring to keep God’s statutes.

It’s much like us praying to God, in a heartfelt petition, to help us continue on even when it’s really difficult. It’s like saying ‘I come before you God, fully committed to You, please assure me of your work in my life, so that in Your strength, I may keep walking forward’.

Ps 119:10 With all my heart I have sought Thee; do not let me wander from Thy commandments.

Are your affections and heart completely devoted to God? Do we cry to God in earnest? Does our petition include a desire to obey God’s commands?

Ps 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

We see another element of David’s prayer in Psalm 119:146.

Ps 119:146 I cried to Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies.

The Psalmist understands his need for God’s work in his life, hence the request, ‘save me’.

Consider. What is the most important part of our relationship with God? What is our relationship with God based on? Because of God’s perfect love for us, He sent Jesus, His only Son, to suffer and die to pay the penalty for our sin. We need only to accept His gift of grace and desire to live in obedience. God is the only one who can save us. What does He save us from?

"Save me" from the dangers which surround me, from the enemies that pursue me, from the temptations which beset me, from the sins which accuse me.” Treasury of David

David is once again crying out to God in prayer and this time he requests God to save him, to defend and deliver him, to help him. And what is the Psalmist’s motivation and end to his request? “I shall keep Thy testimonies”.

Even though the Psalmist experienced danger and persecution from all around him, his main object in praying for God to save him was that he might be able to follow God’s commands and live a life worthy of his calling. There is no thought of ‘save me so I can do whatever I want or like’, only ‘save me so I can honor You’.

When we pray, what is our object – to request God’s supply so that we might serve Him more, or to request His comfort so we can continue serving ourselves?

“Brief as are the petitions, the whole compass of language could not make them more comprehensive.”Hear me." The soul is in earnest, the whole heart is engaged in the "cry." "Save me" -- includes a sinner's whole need -- pardon, acceptance, access, holiness, strength, comfort, heaven, -- all in one word -- Christ. The way of access is not indeed mentioned in these short ejaculations. But it is always implied in every moment's approach and address to the throne of grace. "Hear me" in the name of my all prevailing Advocate. "Save me" through him, whose name is Jesus the Saviour.” --Charles Bridges.

Ps 5:2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to Thee do I pray.

“Save me. From my sins, my corruptions, my temptations, all the hindrances that lie in my way, that I may "keep thy testimonies." We must cry for salvation, not that we may have the case and comfort of it, but that we may have an opportunity of serving God the more cheerfully.” --Matthew Henry.

In Psalm 119:145-146, we have the Psalmist continuing in prayer with an earnest cry to God with his whole heart in order that he might be able to keep God’s commands even in the midst of adversity, not to gain his own desires, but to please God by following Him. The Psalmist understood completely where his help came from, who his strength was, and his need for God’s saving grace. As we continue on to the next few verses we are given an idea when David prays.

Ps 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Thy words.

Ps 119:148 My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Thy word.

ALL THE TIME!

You may be thinking, ‘I’m not a morning person, though’. Certainly not as early as the implication in this scripture. Perhaps we need to look deeper at the intent of our Psalmist. He anticipated his time in prayer so highly that it caused him to rise early. So much was his desire to spend time with God that he simply couldn’t wait till morning light! And his desire continued on into the night so that when you would have expected him to sleep, he was still awake and in prayer with the God he loved.

Sometimes when something is on our mind, we have trouble sleeping. In those moments, where do you turn? What do you do? Perhaps the answer is the example we see in David – go to prayer. God hears us at any time.

Prayer was so vital to David’s relationship with God that it encompassed his day and night. We see the same devotion to prayer in Job’s life.

Job 23:12 "I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

And there are several accounts recorded for us of Jesus being devoted to prayer.

Lu 6:12 And it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.

Mr 1:35 And in the early morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there.

The Treasury of David says of Psalm 119:147, “His supplications had become so frequent, fervent, and intense, that he might hardly be said to be doing anything else from morning to night but crying unto his God.”

In verse 147, it says “I wait for Thy words”. Wait can be translated hope, to be patient, to trust. This hope is a certain hope, not one that may or may not transpire, but a definite trust that God will answer prayer.

Hope is a necessary part of sincere prayer. Consider. If we did not have certain hope of God answering our prayers, how would our communication with God change? To be sincere in our prayer we must believe that God will hear us and will answer us. This doesn’t mean we will get what we ask for – we don’t even know what we really need – but, it does mean God will answer in His time and His way for His glory and our good. This we can be certain of. When we believe the answers are in God’s hands, we have cause for an earnest need of prayer, to come before Him with expectation of His blessings and answers.

When I was young, I prayed to many different statues and saints of old. I didn’t trust these pieces of stone and marble and non-living people for anything. There was certainly no real expectation of gaining from these prayers but in my understanding at that time, there was a certain amount of blessing bestowed on those who did these things. My prayers were half-hearted at best and absolutely without a genuine belief and trust that anything would happen. I did not have the hope our Psalmist speaks of in Psalm 119:147. David knew he was praying to the Living God.

The account of Daniel and the Lion’s Den, a story most of us are familiar with, in Daniel chapter 6, ends with this decree going out from king Darius:

Da 6:26 "I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion [will be] forever.

Daniel was saved by the Living God, not a god made by men, but the One True God who is able and desiring to answer His children who cry out to Him. Waiting expectantly for God’s answers to prayer is what compels us to fervent prayer! Do you view prayer as something you are supposed to do or is it a necessary part of your life?

“I wish that when I first open my eyes in the morning, I may then, in soul ejaculatory prayer, open my heart to my God, that at night prayer may make my bed soft, and lay my pillow easy; that in the daytime prayer may perfume my clothes, sweeten my food, oil the wheels of my particular vocation, keep me company upon all occasions, and gild over all my natural, civil, and religious actions. I wish that, after I have poured out my prayer in the name of Christ, according to the will of God, having sowed my seed, I may expect a crop, looking earnestly for the springing of it up, and believing assuredly that I shall reap in time if I faint not.” --George Swinnock.

Psalm 119:148 says, “My eyes anticipate the night watches”. Following is an explanation of what is meant by night watches.

“The Jews divided the night into three watches, which began at what we call six o'clock in the evening, and consisted each of four hours. The Romans taught them afterwards to divide it into four watches of three hours each; and to divide the day and night into twelve hours each; wherein different guards of soldiers were appointed to watch. At the proclaiming of each watch the psalmist appears to have risen and performed some act of devotion.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Whether we are called to be up at a specific time or go to bed at a specific time, doesn’t seem to be the path of this verse. However, the reminder to be in continuous prayer is clear. The word meditate is also used in reference to spending time in God’s word. This conveys the idea of pondering over the word. Thinking upon the word over and over was what caused David to have hope even when it was difficult. How do we know this? Because he has continually referenced his cry to God along with his desire to keep God’s commands. What was the fuel that kept our Psalmist going? Truth. Certain Hope. Trust.

In the Treasury of David, the Psalmist is described as an “ardent, earnest, and painstaking student” of God’s word. When we consider meditating on something, it means to think deeply over a period of time, to reflect on information we have. When applied to the word, this is so much more than checking off a box, completing our reading for the day.

Throughout Psalm 119, there are several instances of requesting understanding. As we cry to God with our hearts, seeking His answers, trusting in His work, and desiring to obey His commands; as we continuously pray and meditate on God’s word, He will give us understanding. What a privilege it is to know our Savior more and more!

Hurricane Irma

Ps 57:1 Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in Thee; and in the shadow of Thy wings I will take refuge, until destruction passes by.

Hurricane Irma. Facts: Category 5, 185 mph winds (some gusts clocked at over 200 mph), direct hit on Anguilla and Saint Martin/St. Maarten, two small islands in the Caribbean, on September 6th, 2017. Incredible devastation occurred – buildings collapsed, roofs were torn off, trees were uprooted, the infrastructure of the islands demolished, airplanes were overturned as if they were toys, and marinas became graveyards for rows of sinking watercraft. Add to this scene massive flooding, unsafe drinking water and dangerous power lines laying in the streets, on housing and walkways. The pictures here are recent, almost one year later.

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My husband and I have visited Saint Martin almost every year since 2003. We were there two weeks before Irma hit last year and had the opportunity to visit again a few weeks ago. Although we’d been told the cleanup and rebuild has greatly improved, it is difficult to believe the amount of damage still seen. It is everywhere you look. Overturned boats slowly being pulled down into the ocean, and entire boardwalks and piers, shops and restaurants are gone, completely, in the bays. It doesn’t seem that even one structure was left unscathed. Immediately, after landing at the modified airport, which was a white event tent, the casualties were evident. I thought we were informed about what we might see because I’ve kept in touch through the internet, but nothing could have prepared me for what truly was. As we drove from the airport across the island to our destination, I was speechless at the damage around each corner, my heart was silently crying.

We settled in and began talking with those who were on the island during this tragic event.

Many people were smiling! And they wanted to talk about Jesus: His care for them and His mercy on them.

Seriously, each day of our time spent here I have had opportunities to talk about God’s mercy and the necessity to trust in Him. Several times, when I questioned how someone was doing, I was met with thankfulness that life was spared. Faces literally lit up when speaking of God’s provision for basic needs. We heard many were without water in their homes for months and were rationed drinking water. Electricity was unavailable to most homes. Roads were impassable and even if they weren’t, many cars were not drivable because trees or poles had landed on them. Stories from a worker in a grocery market of having only two bottles of water – for drinking and showering – for the entire family with three teenage boys – were shared with thankfulness for what was provided.

One woman remarked how ‘life lessons’ were learned from her oldest son who recently had complained of sharing a room with his two younger siblings. She said after the hurricane, one of her family members lost everything and moved in with them – a small two bedroom home needing to accommodate nine

people for several months. Her oldest son is now very happy to be back sharing a room with only three!

I repeatedly heard phrases like, “God works in mysterious ways”, “God can do what He wants because He owns everything”, and “We have to trust in His plan”, and “Praise God, we are okay, it’s just stuff”.

Thank you God for the resiliency of those who know You! Thank You for the amazing steadfastness of Your children. Thank you for reminding all of us what this life is truly about – the opportunity to praise You in all things and to share about Your hope in all circumstances to all people. Thank you God for the beauty of the ocean and the waves and the breeze. And for Your power seen in a hurricane.

God’s awesomeness is magnified in times of disaster as His children look to Him.

It is so easy to expect that when you turn on a faucet, clean water pours out. I can say I hardly ever think about the blessing of a flushing toilet and working sewage system (except maybe when we’ve been camping!), or flipping a switch for light, or having the availability of unspoiled food or a roof over my head. Having panes of glass in a window has become commonplace for most of us. These things are all blessings given by God’s grace. What we need is food and shelter, what most of us have is so much more!

Thank you Lord Jesus, for giving each of us what we need. Sometimes, it’s the most difficult tragedies that cause our trust to turn towards Your grace. Often, it is in the midst of personal loss that we recognize we already have everything that is important and lasting. In the midst of broken buildings and lives upturned, joy is evident in the certain hope of life eternal.

Ps 57:1 Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in Thee; and in the shadow of Thy wings I will take refuge, until destruction passes by. God is our refuge and shelter.

Da 6:27 "He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, Who has [also] delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." The same God who delivered Daniel from the lion’s jaws will rescue His children.

Na 1:7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him. God is our fortress. God knows those who seek His protection.

Isa 12:2 "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation." God is our deliverance, in Him there is no fear. God is our praise!

Ps 121:1-2 I Will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? 2 My help [comes] from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. The One Who created heaven and earth is our help.

Isa 41:10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' There is no reason to be dismayed. God will uphold His children.

Ps 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. God is our security, right now, this very moment, even in distress.

Strength and resolve in God’s children to trust Him even through incomprehensible tragedy. This is what I witnessed during my time in Saint Martin this year and I am so thankful. I pray we were able to leave bits of encouragement as we shared God’s truths. I personally received incredible blessings.

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Psalm 106:8 Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name. That He might make His power known.

Moms

First they need you for everything, then they want you for everything, then suddenly it seems they don’t want you for anything (except maybe clean clothes and food).

Mom. Mommy. Momma. It’s an incredible blessing to be a Mom. Unlike some titles, once you’re a mom you’re always a mom. It’s not a position that stops, you don’t retire from being a mother. No matter if you have babies in heaven or on earth, being a Mom lasts forever in your heart. Some of you are brand new at mothering with the tiniest of little ones dependent on you for everything. Others have toddlers with sticky faces and hands that demand attention almost constantly.

You go through cycles with your children as they grow. First they need you for everything, then they want you for everything, then suddenly it seems they don’t need or want you for anything (except maybe clean clothes and food). For a while, the need for mom may get pushed away, life gets busy, independence is developed. But, you’re always there anyways, because you’re Mom. Today is the day we celebrate moms! What does the Bible say about moms? Perhaps, the most well-known mother is Mary.

Mary is the mother of Jesus. We can learn from what God’s word says about her. God gave Mary special honor and blessing (Luke 1:28). Through the angel Gabriel, she was also given news that was difficult to understand (Luke 1:31-34). Read her response below.

Lu 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Mary called herself a Bondslave of God and trusted in His plan. She chose to place herself in servanthood to God. And she praised God even through what must have been a million questions running around in her head.

Lu 1:46-47 And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord, 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

She was full of praise for God and recognized Him as her Savior. She is an example not only of servanthood and trust but also one of humility (Luke 1:48). Throughout her journey of trust, she glorifies God’s name. In Luke 1:49-55, Mary exalts God as she visits with her cousin Elizabeth and is quick to speak of His goodness, specifically His blessings, His holiness, and His mercy towards those who fear Him, and His power, and judgment. In verse 53, Mary speaks the truth that satisfaction is found in God, He fills hearts with His goodness. And He will fulfill His promises made generations before.

As a mother, Mary was asked to do incredibly difficult things: Like carry a child she conceived before marriage (though she had not known intimacy with man) which in that time was punishable by death; make a long, arduous journey at the end of her pregnancy, flee from dangers with a newborn, and protect the child whom King Herod wanted murdered.

We do see a sweet moment of tender mothering in Luke 2:19: But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Mary understood what it was like to realize your child had wandered off. It even seems she experienced a bit of panic when she questioned her Son and relayed that she and Joseph had been looking for him. (Luke 2:48). Mary also witnessed the execution of her Son. We can only imagine the pain that must have pierced her heart as Jesus was pierced with a sword.

While it is clear we are not to worship anyone or anything besides God in heaven (2 Kings 17:16; Deuteronomy 4:19, Exodus 20:4; Leviticus 26:1), we can strive to follow the characteristics of those God has chosen for Himself to do His will.

So what does it mean to be called Mom? Just looking at this one example, we learn we can submit to God in all things and choose to serve Him with our lives. We develop hearts of humility as we quickly realize we don’t know much! We can trust in God’s plan for ourselves and our children. We can cherish the blessings of parenting. We can have confidence that God is working in our children’s lives, no matter how young or old. And we can praise God for giving us the wonderful opportunity of being a Mom.

I’d like to propose a different way to think about Mother’s Day. Certainly it is good to show your Mom you treasure her by a phone call or card or some small sentiment. But let’s give praise to God that He, in His goodness to us, has chosen us to be part of the process of giving life. God has entrusted parents with the stewardship of His children. Sometimes it can be really difficult, tears are often shed, and hearts can be broken. Parenting can result in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in emotions. But the moments of a tender smile or hug, and the lessons we learn through raising children are priceless.

Happy Mother’s Day! … and thank you Lord for the special blessing you have bestowed on Moms! All praise and honor and glory to God.

Chill…

taking a step back, taking time to truly think about the real problem or concern, and remembering that God is never surprised with circumstances, is always the key to reacting properly to anything. TRUST.

A Short Consideration of TRUST.

There is a slang term you’ve probably heard: ‘Just chill out’. It means to calm down, no worries, it is okay, take a deep breath. As I was considering what happens when there is a lack of TRUST – all the ‘what ifs’ that dominate our thinking – the thought that we (I) just need to chill out for a bit came to mind. For me, taking a step back, taking time to truly think about the real problem or concern, and remembering that God is never surprised with circumstances, is always the key to reacting properly to anything. TRUST.

Ps 65:5 By awesome deeds Thou dost answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, Thou who art the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea;

Ps 9:10 And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; For Thou, O LORD, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.

Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

The truth is that trusting in the name of God induces our focus to remain on the certain hope for our eternal future in heaven. Confidence built on His promises turns fear into peace. So regarding areas of TRUST, it seems obvious that trusting or having faith in God’s truths keeps us from fretting over things we have no control over – which is pretty much everything!

However, the obvious isn’t always what happens. Many of us can and do TRUST God for our future. We say we trust that He will guide and direct us to His ways, and that He will be glorified as we take steps to follow Him. We say we TRUST that He is not at all surprised by our failures and that He will use them to grow us and teach us.

Turmoil appears to be increasing worldwide. If you look around you, it seems that God’s perfect values of love, patience, gentleness, self-control, long-suffering, and being at peace with all men have long since been discarded. Even so, we know we can continue to TRUST that His plan is going according to His ultimate purpose and it will culminate in the fruition of His eternal kingdom. All this is good, and trusting in God for these things settles well in our mind and soul.

Yay and okay, right?! Except, although I know I personally need to TRUST in all things, I repeatedly struggle with an internal fight to take control, to do something. When things don’t go as planned I can fall into a need of wanting to place blame on something or someone or even place blame on myself because I ‘should’ve been able to do something to fix it’ or I wonder what I did wrong. I can wish things were different and then begin to resent that they aren’t. My demeanor and words can even be affected and become cold and abrupt. Perhaps you’re thinking you should pray for me, and yes, that’s always welcome. Or just maybe, you can relate. There is something all of the above have in common. Somehow, the area of TRUST has broken down on my end.

Consider also the struggle we have with trusting God to work in others. We pray. We try to encourage. But often, we pray for God to work specifically in the areas we see. We pray that God will change a heart to become more in tuned to becoming a better financial steward. Or we pray that someone would be able to recognize their greed in repeatedly asking others for things. We pray when we see impatience in raising children and the need to control rather than correct behaviors. We have concerns with those who become absorbed in their own problems instead of reaching out to help others. You could add a plethora of additional concerns we pray about for others. What I have been made aware of is that I’m trusting in God to bring about my answers to these prayers. And I usually want to see the answers quickly. This is trusting in my solutions rather than completely trusting in God for His work.

My solutions are that financial irresponsibility would become financial responsibility, that greediness would be turned to generosity, that impatience would turn to patience, controlling behaviors would become correction done in love, and that being self-absorbed would change to an awareness of serving others. These are my answers to prayer, the way I think people would be most helped. God sees the bigger picture, and although the qualities I’m praying for are good to desire in all of us, the method of how God gets us there is His alone to know. Consider. The areas of our lives that look like they need rearranging are usually just a symptom of an internal heart issue. Others, including myself, see the outside. We see with limited knowledge, what appears to be. God sees the heart. The motivation. The true intent and the real struggle.

1Sa 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God [sees] not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

So often, we put forth what we want others to believe about us. Just think of someone you know who seems to have it all together. Outwardly it’s not so difficult to look as people expect. But, each of us has learned to walk, and in the process there have been scraped knees, bruises and knots on the head. Each time I am blessed with getting to know someone a bit better, I get a more accurate understanding of their struggles and weaknesses. The barrier seems to weaken and a real picture begins to unfold. Transparency is a beautiful gift to the receiver. All the other stuff we see initially as a problem is really just a symptom of hurting or insecurity or neglect or a difficult past or lack of TRUST.

So let’s break down the specific area of ‘taking control’ I mentioned earlier. This is a symptom that is directly related to failure in trusting God completely. Perhaps you’ll be able to relate and we can be encouraged to grow in this area together. It’s easy to say I TRUST in God, and I do wholeheartedly. I TRUST in who He says He is, in what He says He has done, and in what He says He will do. But, it’s another thing, at least in my life, to put this TRUST into practice all the time. There is a disconnect between knowing and doing, like a short-circuit that causes a temporary detour in the connection between my soul and my brain.

Taking control. Becoming impatient with a waiting process or disliking the direction of someone or something causes us to ‘take control’ for ourselves. There is a need many of us have to manage life – usually we contain this need to our own life but sometimes we feel the need to manage others’ lives as well – Oh vey! We certainly must make plans, and goals are necessary and should be accompanied with action. But, what do we do when our plans and goals are derailed? We can get nervous or anxious and decide to take command of a situation. Some people become dominating over others or take advantage of authority to influence control. Control may present itself in always having to have a part in decisions or needing to have everything go your way. We also can resort to the common exercise of manipulation.

What’s the truth? We are not in control! No amount of bullying or badgering or planning or structure or manipulation will result in us having complete control. So, what do we need to tell ourselves when this is a struggle? – ‘Get over it!’, ‘Move on’, ‘Take a chill pill’ – or better, TRUST MORE and concentrate on what is truly important.

God is in complete control, you may call it His divine control of all men.

2Ki 19:28 'Because of your raging against Me, and because your arrogance has come up to My ears, therefore I will put My hook in your nose, and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way which you came.

Above is a vivid picture of God’s control. In this particular case, it’s His control of those against Him but it is a clear description of how God causes man’s direction. It was not uncommon at the time to put a metal ring into the nose of an animal and attach a cord to it in order to control its direction. Picture a bull with a large ring in its nose. God is in control of everyone. This may either be a comfort or a discomfort to the reader. If you are against God, He will take care of you at His will; if you are following God, take comfort in knowing He is in control. It doesn’t matter who you are, what your title is, your influence, your possessions (which all belong to God), or your earthly importance.

Job 12:19 "He makes priests walk barefoot, and overthrows the secure ones.

Pr 21:1 The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.

God is all-powerful!

Isa 48:13 "Surely My hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I call to them, they stand together.

Na 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In whirlwind and storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

De 32:39 'See now that I, I am He, and there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded, and it is I who heal; and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.

Da 4:35 "And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, 'What hast Thou done?'

Ec 3:11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.

TRUST that God has an incredible plan. A plan we are unable to fully comprehend. A plan that is for good to those who have received His Son as Savior and Lord. It may look like things are out of control. We may even wonder ‘why’ when we see difficult circumstances. The truth is, God doesn’t need us to ‘take control’ of anything. He’s got everything and everyone covered. We are to TRUST in Him, in His ways, and in His promises.

Isa 41:10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

2Ch 16:9a For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

Eph 1:19-20 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly [places],

Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

However God brings about His purposes here on earth for His glory, His children can TRUST in the certain hope of their future in heaven for eternity with Him.

Isa 26:4 "Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.

Let’s practice being okay with not being in control! C.H..I…L….L….. and TRUST!

Unwavering and Upright

Because God’s judgments are straight, there is no deviation to His execution of right and wrong. He is not only perfectly righteous, God is also faithful in His righteousness.

Psalm 119:137 Part Two

Ps 119:137 Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments.

In the first half of this verse we looked at the righteousness of God. He is morally pure. His character is guiltless in all areas. He is the essence of perfection. Because of God’s absolute holiness, peace amidst circumstances that seem unfair will resonate in your soul. Your heart will remain calm with the knowledge that God is righteous.

Psalm 119:137 also says God’s judgments are upright. Literally meaning they are straight. You’ve heard the idiom “on the straight and narrow path”. It means you’re following an honest way. According to the Cambridge Dictionary it may be taken from Matthew 7:14 which says, "For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” Because God’s judgments are straight, there is no deviation to His execution of right and wrong. He is not only perfectly righteous, God is also faithful in His righteousness. Hence, all His judgments are right. Again, we see God always acting within His character, without exception.

De 32:4 "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

Ps 119:137 (RSV) Righteous art thou, O LORD, and right are thy judgments.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary says this of Ps 119:137: all thy dispensations to men [are upright].

Ver. 137. -- David's great care, when he was under the afflicting hand of God, was to clear the Lord of injustice. ‘Oh! Lord, saith he, there is not the least show, spot, stain, blemish, or mixture of injustice, in all the afflictions thou hast brought upon me. I desire to take shame to myself, and to set to my seal, that the Lord is righteous, and that there is no injustice, no cruelty, nor no extremity in all that the Lord hath brought upon me.’ He sweetly and readily subscribes unto the righteousness of God in those sharp and smart afflictions that God exercised him with. "Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments." God's judgments are always just; he never afflicts but in faithfulness. His will is the rule of justice; and therefore a gracious soul dares not cavil nor question his proceedings. --Thomas Brooks.

cavil: quibble or raise trivial questions

Think again about our litmus test. God’s word. His absolute righteousness. His perfect judgment. As God’s children, convinced of His purity, we have examples to follow.

We are to show an example of righteousness towards others,

We are to be faithful to living out God’s commands,

We are to be obedient to act in a manner that represents His true character, and

We are to trust in all His ways.

“The righteousness of God, the infinite rectitude and perfection of his nature. As he is what he is, so he is what he should be, and in everything acts as becomes him; there is nothing wanting, nothing amiss, in God; his will is the eternal rule of equity, and he is righteous, for he does all according to it.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

The truths we’ve considered in Psalm 119:137

Lead us to conviction of our own sin because God is always right.
Lead us to obedience. Why would we not follow what we know is right?
Lead us to trust in His ways and His timing because God’s plans are perfect even if I can’t see or understand them.
Lead us to adoration of God because He is 100% right in all His ways. How could we not worship Him?
Lead us to look to His promises with faith that He will return and restore His kingdom because He says so, therefore it’s true!
Lead us to focus on the hope we have for our future because in Christ it is certain, it is glorious, it is what we look forward to, and it is why we have been created.

Apply these truths to your life and circumstances right now. How are you encouraged to think or act differently because of these truths?

For example, look at the first bullet point again. It says, the truths we’ve considered lead us to conviction of our own sin because God is always right.

Consider. Standing before a righteous God, understanding more completely what that means, causes my sin to be more evident. It is so easy to ignore or accept what we might regard as the ‘small’ errors in our lives. It is always less difficult to look at the sin of others around me and to look at what they should or should not be doing or saying. I may even assume to know their motives and then judge them on my [usually wrong] thinking. However, if I place myself at the feet of the One who is Holiness Himself, I am quickly stripped of my own delusion about who I am and forced to remember the incredible need I have for a Savior. In fact, thinking upon God’s perfect righteousness and judgment, causes a certain holy fear of Him that leads to a want of obedience. I am God’s child but I am not free from the presence or temptation of sin. Because God must act according to His character, I can expect my sin to be dealt with. I can count on suffering the consequences of sin. Remember what Psalm 119:137 says: Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments. When I begin to fully realize Jesus’ voluntary, suffering death for me, I am caused to recognize the necessity of my complete obedience to Him and thus address the sin that continues to reside in my heart.

Spurgeon, in his Treasury of David, gives us these beautifully written words. “The sinful courses of God's children occasion bitterness enough; they never venture upon sin, but with great Joss. [Joss: a graven image or idol. Perhaps referring to how easy it is for someone or something to become our motivation rather than God] If Paul give way to a little pride, God will humble him. If any give way to sin, their pilgrimage will be made uncomfortable. Eli falls into negligence and indulgence, then is the ark of God taken, his two sons are slain in battle, his daughter-in-law dies, he himself breaks his neck. Oh! The wonderful tragedies that sin works in the houses of the children of God! David, when he intermeddled with forbidden fruit, was driven from his palace, his concubines defiled, his own son slain; a great many calamities did light upon him. Therefore the children of God have cause to fear; for the Lord is a just God, and they will find it so. Here upon earth he hath reserved liberty to visit their iniquity with rods, and their transgression with scourges. I must press you to imitate God's righteousness: "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him".

Mt 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Jas 1:4 And let endurance have [its] perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

There is a standard set for us on this earth. Just because we know we cannot attain perfection here amongst a sinful world, does not take away the responsibility we have to continue to reach for it.

Complacency over even the smallest sin should drive us to concern and lead us to immediate action. We give up because the fight is hard and it is continuous. I’ve said and thought the words, “When I get to heaven, then I won’t struggle with _____________” (fill in the blank). While this is absolutely true, and a really comforting thought, I am in no way excused for the sin in my life while on this earth. It is a big deal! Jesus died for me. I cannot take that truth lightly. We need to continuously be reaching for the goal.

Read this verse most of us are probably familiar with.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God’s word is living and active! It does change lives! We can be victorious over the temptation of sin. I love the illustration presented in Jeremiah about God’s word.

Jer 23:29 "Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock?

The picture that comes to mind is one of seeking gold deeply imbedded in quartz. My husband and I have purposefully collected both large and small pieces of rock. Then, either out in the field or at home, we begin the process of smashing these pieces of quartz with a strong hammer to get to the tiny bits of gold scattered throughout. This is what God’s word does. It shatters sin. It refines us just like fire, melting away that which is not good and exposing what is beautiful.

Consider again how God would have you personally apply the truths in Psalm 119:137: Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments. Ask yourself this question. I’ve shared some of my heart in hopes that you will be encouraged to do your own soul searching.

- My life in general is affected because I am much more apt to look at my own responsibility toward sin. There is so much work to be done in myself, that I don’t really have the time nor should I take the time to be concerned for what others are doing or not doing. This is a weight lifted off my shoulders! Remembering it is God’s work is refreshing!

- My personal circumstances are affected because my focus remains on God and His righteousness. The circumstances in my life are exactly what He is allowing in order to cause me to become the child He has designed me to be. This truth affords Peace! In all things. I can move through whatever God has given me, knowing it is in His perfect plan.

My actions are affected when God’s truths are applied to my life.

- Concentrating on the areas of my own life that need attention certainly reminds me to be gracious and patient towards those around me as I am reminded we all have the same need of God’s saving grace. Thinking upon what He has done for me even while I don’t deserve any of it is humbling. This is good! A heart of humility is soft and moldable.

- When my thoughts are centered on Christ and my heart is teachable and flooded with Who He is and What He has done for me, I cannot help but radiate His love in all things. I am drawn towards seeing the hope even in what seems truly difficult. I look forward to the promise that I can trust that God is working. This produces joy in my heart even amidst hardship or uncertainty or sorrow.

- I don’t have to understand everything! I am not expected, nor am I able, to have an answer for everything! This is a great revelation and one that truly lifts a burden I can place on myself. Because God is always right, I can look at what He says, accept what He is doing, and not forfeit my time and energy to that which is not my responsibility. Each day is a gift given to me by Him that is filled with exciting possibility for honoring Him as my Father. How much fun is that?! I don’t have to live in discouragement because of my sin, it has been covered! I don’t have to be worried or anxious for circumstances now or in the future, He has it covered! I can glory in the true fact that God is righteous in all things. And He has called me His child!

- Lastly, but perhaps most important, I truly fear sin. I don’t want to be caught up in sin. I am cautious to not allow sin to be harbored in my heart. I take measure against being fooled by sin’s craftiness. This causes me to desire to engulf myself in Truth. I need God’s word to direct me because I am weak.

God is righteous in His very character which means all judgment from Him is absolutely equitable. And He is always faithful to execute His judgment.

“Jehovah both saith and doth that which is right, and that alone. This is a great stay to the soul in time of trouble. When we are most sorely afflicted, and cannot see the reason for the dispensation, we may fall back upon this most sure and certain fact, that God is righteous, and his dealings with us are righteous too. It should be our glory to sing this brave confession when all things around us appear to suggest the contrary. This is the richest adoration -- this which rises from the lips of faith when carnal reason mutters about undue severity, and the like.” Treasury of David

Please. Listen with your ears and your heart to the truths God is showing you through His word. Take the time to God’s truths to your life. The Bible is not just a book to read and feel good about. God’s word is not meant to be an intellectual exercise. It is a book that is living and it will change you through the work of the Holy Spirit. Dig in and watch the transformation as God guides you into a deeper relationship with Him. After all, He loves you enough to have sent Jesus.

1Jo 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.

Joh 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.

Chariots

When our faith is placed in God alone it always has perfect results. It doesn’t mean we won’t get hurt but it does mean we’re more likely to recover with a perspective that will challenge us to forgive and move on, to continue to serve and take part in fellowship, and to trust in God’s ultimate will for ourselves and others. It is God we serve. It may be through people, and at times it may be super difficult, but it is God we are serving, living for, trying to please. Often, we can give others more credentials than we ought.

Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (ESV)

In biblical times, chariots were a sign of strength. The more in number you possessed, the mightier was your threat. Chariots would be gathered from the losing side of battle and often the description of an army would be by numbers of chariots and horses. Some learned to place their trust for victory in these numbers, while others knew their success was dependent on God. Spurgeon says, “The most dreaded war engine of David's day was the war chariot, armed with scythes, which mowed down men like grass: this was the boast and glory of the neighboring nations; but the saints considered the name of Jehovah to be a far better defense.”

Consider. The honesty and reliability of others and things compared with the absolute truth of God who is infallible and omnipresent.

Several months ago I began thinking about the significance of where we place our trust and the result of misplaced trust. I jotted down some thoughts when I was spurred on by a conversation that I will describe further down this page. I finally sat down to look at the notes I had written earlier and began studying some application of scripture related to this subject. Excited to continue my study this morning, I turned on my computer, opened my Bible program and alas, it had been totally reconfigured, through an automatic update. The translations of the Word I use most were missing! KJV, NIV, NASB all disappeared and were not even in the list of options to pull up! If you’ve read my profile page or know me at all, you know that I am challenged by the world of electronics and information technology and the fact that I even write this blog is a small miracle in itself.

Even when we’ve completely trusted in Jesus for salvation through His death and resurrection, and perhaps consider ourselves a ‘seasoned’ believer, it is still easy for us to place trust in other things. It’s not bad to trust that appliances will function or children or husbands will come home from school and business. We depend on people and things to work according to our plans. But how do we respond when the expected doesn’t happen? Albeit, my computer not working properly is an easier illustration than the loss of trust in personal relationships. The annoyance I feel when things don’t work ‘as they’re supposed to’ causes me to sit back, take a deep breath, calm down and consider the realization that there is truly only One I can absolutely depend on always – God.

(As you have probably figured out by now, I did discover what was wrong with my computer, for the record, by myself! and happily I am back up and typing on my keyboard with my original preferences on my Bible program. Thank you Lord!)

We’ll look at the placement of our trust. We all trust in something or someone. It’s where we place our trust that will significantly alter our responses and future security.

Placement. The act of putting something in a certain place.

We learn placement early. Toys get put away where they belong. Clothes are folded or hung and placed in a dresser or basket or closet. Shoes have a place, some by a door used to enter the house, others in a specified location in a bedroom. A kitchen table belongs in a kitchen. Position of utensils in a plate setting are specific when done according to proper etiquette: forks on the left in order of use. Typically, we feel good when things are in the ‘right’ place.

But, in the real world, at least in mine, stuff is not always where it belongs. We get busy. I don’t always take the time to put things in their place. Its okay for a bit, but it can get out of hand. Like in the garage…. or in a closet….don’t even get me started about the ‘junk drawer’. I’m not inviting you to take a look, just trust me!! (Pun intended.) It’s not the ‘end of the world’ when things are not exactly in place. (Although, if you have the tendencies of OCD it feels like it). We still function. No tears need to be shed. However, there is one area where placement matters big time.

‘Listen’ to this recent conversation I had with someone I haven’t seen in a while. (Me) Hi, how are you? Fine. Haven’t seen you at Bible study. We’re fine. We’ve missed you at church. We’re fine. Should I be concerned? We’re fine. Are you going to church somewhere else? Are you in fellowship with others? No. We’re fine. How can I pray for you? We’re fine.

This conversation caused my heart to cry. After a bit more prodding, hoping I could encourage and feeling genuinely concerned, I found out they had been hurt by words shared from others. No details, which I don’t need, but obviously the hearts of this sweet family were hurt to the core and their faith in those they trusted was damaged.

Unfortunately, this happens. It shouldn’t. In a perfect world, it wouldn’t. But we are sinful and people get hurt by others. Words are shared carelessly. Offense is taken personally. When our faith is put in people, it is harder to forgive and bounce back. Then, we punish ourselves. We pull out. We don’t want to be hurt. We stay away. Sometimes we even retaliate. We answer sin with sin. We say we’re fine. But are we? What happened to our placement of faith? Was our faith in God or in our expectation of people?

Faith in humankind always disappoints. People are weak, sinful, and have poor judgment. They are selfish, proud and hurtful towards others, sometimes its purposeful, many times it’s just a matter of thoughtlessness.

Consider. We all place faith in something or someone.

Dreams, plans, friends, family, marriage, home, success, health, education, government, yourself, your computer programs (hahaha). This list could continue with many more things or persons. Do we have an absolute promise that any of the above listed will perform as expected?

Dreams seldom come true. Plans rarely turn out exactly the way you expect. Friends, no matter how close, can unintentionally hurt. Family is counted on and should be there for you, but not in every case. Marriages fail. Homes flood, burn down, break down and generally have something needing to be fixed. Success is fleeting. Health is unpredictable. Education is momentary. Self is downright scary!! Technology is finicky. But God is the source of all that is True. He will never fail us and is predictable according to His character. God is always just, always honest, always loving (even if it doesn’t always feel like it when we are being disciplined), always available, always understands – even better than we do.

Placement of our faith in anything except the one true living God won’t carry you to the finish line of peace and hope now and in the future. Sure, we might do well for a time, we may be able to stumble along and look like we’re moving forward or doing just fine, but we’ve taken on a prison sentence we don’t need to carry. We become trapped because we’ve placed our faith in everything uncertain. We punish ourselves when others let us down by choosing to disassociate with those who truly do care about us. We miss the joy of living for Christ because we’re derailed by disappointment.

Placement of our faith in others to act or respond a certain way will most certainly cause despair. Consider. Have you always said and done everything appropriately? Has every circumstance panned out the way you thought it should? Of course not! When our entire cause for existence is placed in God, we are not so readily sidetracked by things or others’ actions or comments or judgment. God is the only one that truly matters. When we embrace this, we are able to forge ahead with the security of complete trust placed in Him alone Who never fails or disappoints.

Is God our object of trust? How do we know? Think of your responses to unpleasant things that happen and towards people who may be less than understanding. Do you try to look through the eyes of God’s grace or do you quit? Do you keep moving forward or do you run and hide? Do you embrace your anger and let it grow?

The placement of our trust should be in God’s strength.

Isa 26:4 "Trust in the LORD forever, for in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.

The placement of our trust should be in His continuous care for us.

Ps 9:10 And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, O LORD, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.

The placement of our trust should be in God completely.

Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

The placement of our trust should be in the God who knows us personally.

Ps 31:14 But as for me, I trust in Thee, O LORD, I say, "Thou art my God."

The placement of our trust should be in His word.

Ps 119:42 So I shall have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Thy word.

The placement of our trust should be in God’s mercy.

Ps 13:5 But I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation.

God is the only one we are able to place our trust in for eternity.

Ps 52:8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

The trust we place in God is not just a hopeful trust that things will probably work out okay, but it is a confident, certain trust born through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Joh 10:9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Eph 3:12 [Christ] in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

2Co 3:4 And such confidence we have through Christ toward God.

The placement of our trust should be in God at all times.

Ps 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

God says it is better to place our trust in Him than anyone or anything else.

Ps 118:8-9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Jer 17:5 Thus says the LORD, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

Pr 28:26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.

So, back to the beginning of this study, its development, and the conversation I had. Misplaced trust causes us to act in a manner that is outside of God’s will. We can become annoyed easily. We can let hurt become anger. We can desire to quit instead of forging ahead. We can hold resentment in our heart instead of living free in Christ. The reality is, we punish ourselves when complete trust is not properly placed in the only One who deserves and requires our full confidence and faith.

Either our trust is placed and settled securely in God for all things

It is placed precariously on top of an unsteady pile of persons and things that may topple over at any minute.

Isa 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, [And] rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!

Pr 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

It’s a Marathon!

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Twenty six years ago I could not have imagined the extent of God’s graciousness and blessing that would encompass our family. As I anticipated my marriage that would take place in only a few hours, I was thankful for the beginning of a new start for my three children and me. Having raised them alone for the last five years I was definitely ready for a partner in life. Certainly the fact that a God-fearing man had taken notice of myself and the kids was truly amazing in itself. We had the ugly mark of divorce in our past, rejection. We collectively had nothing of resource value to offer and actually came with considerable financial debt and scarred emotions of abandonment and distrust in others. But, here we were getting ready for a union that could only come from God. In a few hours, I was to marry a man who sincerely loved me and desired to be a daddy to my three young children. I was head-over-heals in love with this guy whom I viewed as a direct, personal gift from God! I had been challenged years earlier to concentrate on my love for God and to seek to grow in trust and knowledge and understanding of His love for me. As I did so, the desires of my heart were met in Him and I now found myself preparing to walk down the aisle into the arms of a husband I couldn’t have hoped for in my wildest dreams. I believed I was living a modern fairy tale but this was not at all make-believe, it was God-directed and real time happening!

Ps 37:4-5 Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

I am one hundred percent convinced that God is real, He is faithful, and He is compassionate knowing what we truly need to live a life honoring to His name. His grace in our lives is abundant as He desires to bless His children. The failure comes on our part. Our selfishness, our lack of trust, our weak faith, our feeling of deservedness, our impatience in waiting upon His plan and timing.

As we wait on God, we are to delight ourselves in Him. We are to commit our ways unto Him. We are to trust Him.

delight <anag> to be soft or pliable

delight: a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction WordWeb

commit <galal> to roll, remove, run down, seek occasion, trust

commit: use entirely for a specific person, activity, or cause; confer a trust upon WordWeb

trust <batach> to hasten for refuge, be confident or sure, secure

trust: have confidence or faith in; expect; allow without fear WordWeb

Look at those three words closely.

Delight. Commit. Trust.

Even modern day fairy tales or we should call this a God-Story instead, have villains, troubles, challenges and even down-right cling to the edge of your seat scary moments. The last twenty-six years have been full of good adventures, difficult seasons, and terrifying moments. Tears and laughter have claimed their place. Negative emotions such as confusion and even anger have wrestled with our thoughts. There has been success and failure plenty. We have experienced exciting addition to our family in weddings and births and heart-wrenching loss in illness and death. But, all has been carried in His tender love and grace for us as we have looked to our Father in Heaven for guidance and care.

Delight. Even when it’s difficult, when it’s the last thing we feel like expressing. Where else can true delight come from but God? All else is fleeting. Just think of momentary delights that enter your mind. What do they all have in common? There is One who is lasting, unchanging, forever offers joy.

Ps 102:26-27 "Even they will perish, but Thou dost endure; and all of them will wear out like a garment; like clothing Thou wilt change them, and they will be changed. "But Thou art the same, and Thy years will not come to an end.

Jer 15:16 Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Commit. Even when something else looks easier or more enjoyable. Seek God in all things, for every good desire to be met in His will. This means choosing to take our eyes of the world and its pleasures and focusing on God who gives all things good to those who love and follow Him. How difficult is this? Sometimes very. But necessary and valuable. Why? Because in Him is true happiness and fulfillment.

Isa 58:11 "And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

Trust. Even when it seems impossible. Even when understanding is unimaginable. Run to the One who protects your heart from the onslaught of wrong thinking that comes from worldly explanations. God’s ways rarely seem right to a perverted, sinful world. Have confidence in Him who has created you. Claim absolute hope in His plan for your future.

Ps 115:11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.

Ps 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man.

Pr 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

So here we are, twenty-six crazy, amazing, wonderful, challenging, memorable years later! Blessed beyond the imaginings of our wildest dreams. Sharing a love as husband and wife that is centered on Christ. This is certain because we have aged and still look at each other with stars in our eyes!! The outside is beginning to take its toll of time. When I Iook at my husband I see his heart, a man who is wholly devoted to God, the God I love and trust more than anything in this world. True beauty absolutely lies within a person. We have challenges and struggles like everyone else but view them as God’s continued work in our lives. God has added three additional children to our lives through marriage and He has given us the enjoyment of five grandchildren on this earth and three grandchildren in heaven whom we are confident we will meet one day. Sadly, three of our parents have passed away; my Dad we know for certain is enjoying Jesus in heaven and a dance in heaven was promised to me before Dad died. Retirement, Medicare and social security are now familiar terms in our household along with the names Mina and Poppa! I pulled out a Christmas ornament from 1989 that had the names of myself and my three children on it. How our family has grown: from four to thirteen (sixteen with our three angels in heaven)!

God’s ‘story’ in all of our lives is one that has the potential of bringing honor and glory to Him as we concentrate on delighting our hearts in His ways, committing our thoughts and actions to His truth and trusting in His perfect plan and timing of all circumstances. This is not a sprint, it’s a marathon, literally (26.2miles)! Twenty-six years ago, my God-Story with my wonderful husband began. I pray it is God’s will to allow us to continue to run hard for many more years as we seek to serve Him. Happy Anniversary to my most marvelous gift, my Sweetheart, Rick!

Ps 37:4-5 Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Marvelous Faith!

Consider. A young girl, in her teenage years, betrothed to a man she was to marry. Innocent, yet asked to endure a situation that very well could have cost her life.

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Fall back to your teenage years for a moment. Many teens are still very insecure, concerned about what others think of them, somewhat irresponsible, perhaps even selfish being more apt to think of themselves before they consider the feelings of another. I was not yet saved as a teen so compounded with the above, I was enticed by the world. Worldly thinking, worldly values, it was all about me or so I thought. I had a job so there was some responsibility. I remember scooping ice cream at a well-known ice cream shop. I worked hard, but I was rewarded with a paycheck. The thought of sacrifice for another was pretty foreign.

Mt 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

[She was found with child] Her situation was the most distressing and humiliating that can be conceived. Nothing but the fullest consciousness of her own integrity, and the strongest confidence in God, could have supported her in such trying circumstances, where her reputation, her honor, and her life were at stake. What conversation passed between her and Joseph, on this discovery, we are not informed; but the issue proves that it was not satisfactory to him: nor could he resolve to consider her as his wife, till God had sent his angel to bear the most unequivocal testimony to the virgin's innocence. His whole conduct, on this occasion, was exceedingly benevolent and humane. He might at once have taken the advantage of the law, and had her stoned to death. Adam Clarke’s Commentary

De 22:23-24 "If there is a girl who is a virgin engaged to a man, and another man finds her in the city and lies with her, 24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city and you shall stone them to death; the girl, because she did not cry out in the city, and the man, because he has violated his neighbor's wife. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you.

Consider. A young girl, in her teenage years, betrothed to a man she was to marry. Innocent, yet asked to endure a situation that very well could have cost her life. The punishment for engaging in premarital relations was death by stoning. Imagine how scared she may have been. Yet her willingness to trust God in the role He placed her in, surpasses the circumstances most of us will ever experience.

Trust is difficult. Especially when you feel alone, when others don’t understand. You rely upon those who know you to believe your ‘story’. Sometimes they do, other times you are alienated. But that’s okay! Because God understands. Remember His promise.

Mt 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

Jer 29:11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

1Co 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

While we don’t venerate Mary to be anything more than the vessel God chose to carry His Son, we can be encouraged and even amazed at her willingness to follow God in what was a difficult and even dangerous position He chose for her.

Lu 1:30-35 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end." 34 And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.

Consider Mary’s response. ‘Lord, I am your servant’. I wasn’t there so I don’t know but I can imagine she didn’t fully understand how everything would actually come about. But, she was fully willing to comply with God’s plan. There is no account of even a struggle with choosing to follow God. Just immediate compliance with His plan for her life. And this was life-changing. Probably not the plan she had in her mind being betrothed to Joseph. And, consider how she was to explain to Joseph her condition.

Lu 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Such trust, I am unable to comprehend. But, I pray God touches my heart to trust so completely in Him. Total confidence without fear. No apprehension for His plan for my life. A full expectation in the fulfillment of His promises.

Do we have opportunities to trust in God’s perfect plan? Absolutely! Everyday. We can be ready to obey God’s commands at all times. We can focus on His truths that He will accomplish His work in us for His purpose and glory. We can willingly and immediately submit to God’s will as we trust in His promises.

Ps 119:38 Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee.

Ps 116:16 O LORD, surely I am Thy servant, I am Thy servant, the son of Thy handmaid, Thou hast loosed my bonds.

2Co 5:1-7 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed in this [house] we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven; 3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, shall not be found naked. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, in order that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. 6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight--

Marvelous, humble faith! Readiness to give up ourselves for God’s plan. Firm belief in God’s divine care and providence. A submissive and obedient spirit. For these things I pray.

Everywhere

So, we take a deep breath, plan our day, and know for certain that what has to happen will, what doesn’t happen won’t matter.

Have you ever felt like you just can’t be everywhere at once?! Let’s see, I probably first felt that way when I was blessed with my third child. Two hands, three different requests, at the same time. Impossible! So, what do you do? This is probably when I began asking myself the question, “What really has to be done right now”.

I thought of this, this morning. My husband and I were talking about what needed to happen today. We are planning for our neighborhood Christmas party this evening and are hopeful that the light of Jesus shines through as familiar and unfamiliar faces walk in our home. But, we do need to be prepared! That means putting the hot cider on, making (or buying) cookies, having a festive looking punch available (not red or purple please) and the house welcoming and unhurried so that guests can relax and conversations can develop into what we pray will be opportunities. So, we take a deep breath, plan our day, and know for certain that what has to happen will, what doesn’t happen won’t matter. I’d love to have about eight arms right now and be able to be in several places at once – dropping off a ‘gifts of love’ at church, picking up batteries for lights, and at the grocery store. But, enough about me and my plans. What about God?

He is able to be everywhere at all times. Truly amazing! Part of His character is His omnipresence. Something I can’t understand but I accept as truth because it’s in His word. God is omnipresent. Present everywhere at once. I did a search for this word in the Bible and came back with a ‘sorry, your search had no results’ answer. However, the reality of God being omnipresent is definitely in the Word.

Psalm 139 begins with the intimate knowledge God has of everyone. Then, in verse 7, we read a description of His attribute of being omnipresent.

Ps 139:1-10 (For the choir director. A Psalm of David.) O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known [me.] 2 Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. 3 Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, and art intimately acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O LORD, Thou dost know it all. 5 Thou hast enclosed me behind and before, and laid Thy hand upon me. 6 [Such] knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is [too] high, I cannot attain to it. 7 Where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, Thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Thy hand will lead me, And Thy right hand will lay hold of me.

Jer 23:24 "Can a man hide himself in hiding places, so I do not see him?" declares the LORD. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD.

Isa 66:1 Thus says the LORD, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?

Even though I cannot be in several places at one time, and attend to every need that is present, God can! He sees all things and is everywhere. Lord, keep me focused on what is important as I try to organize my day with my limitations. Give me total trust in Your faithfulness to allow me to complete what is truly necessary and important to fulfill Your glorious plan! Remind me of the comfort and truth that You are always present everywhere. Amen.

JITNOT

I had only made one dessert, a three tiered lemon cake, the favorite of most of those present. It was centered on the table outside like a star begging you to notice. Well, it did get the attention of —– our dog!

Ps 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Ps 91:3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, And from the deadly pestilence.

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Summer. Barbeques. Family. The weather was beautiful. The family was gathered. The food was good. The kids were all running around in the backyard. The adults were relaxing, talking. Some were cleaning up in the kitchen, others were sitting around the table outside. Soon it would be time for dessert. I had only made one dessert, a three tiered lemon cake, the favorite of most of those present. It was centered on the table outside like a star begging you to notice. Well, it did get the attention of ----- our dog! As quick as you can say no, the lemon cake had a large bite taken out of the side. My oldest brother laughed as he shooed Pooh Bear away and told us what happened when we came out from the kitchen. We were able to cut a large margin off the cake where the insult had taken place and still enjoy my efforts. Just in the nick of time? Or not? Injuries were apparent but there was salvage.

‘Just in the nick of time’ is a saying most of us have heard. There’s actually an acronym that showed up for this phrase: JITNOT! It means ‘at the last possible moment’.

My three children and I had moved around about every six months for a period of three years. We weren’t hiding or choosing to move, we were surviving through a really rough period of time. One of our last moves was into a low-income government housing project. Not the best place for a young single mom with three kids, two under the age of five, but nevertheless a place that provided shelter. It was a bit scary and not what you might particularly choose, if you had a choice. Drug dealing was rampant and obvious, the sounds of fighting and yelling were commonplace and even my sweet five year old son got punched in the face by a girl as I was watching him on the swing set placed in the center of the apartments. My paperwork was to be completed the following morning to sign a contract for the lease and I remember thinking there had to be a better solution but was unable to come up with one. The only things I knew to do was pray, trust and be thankful for what God had provided. Then there was a phone call from a leader at the church the kids and I attended and a request to come by right away that evening. As I was offered a real home and asked not to sign the papers in the morning I remember tears of thankfulness. A couple in our church had purchased a tiny home specifically for our use! Asking only for rent we could pay within our meager income. This house was in a safe neighborhood. Next door to an older couple who quickly became dear friends. Just in the nick of time! Perfectly in God’s time. He delivered us out of a situation that had become increasingly difficult. JITNOT! Could God have rescued us sooner? Sure. But the increasing values of trust, patience, dependence on Him, thankfulness for what you have, recognizing the needs of others, learning that joy comes from within rather than outside circumstances, were His gift to myself and my children, learned through hardship – one that is forever embedded in our hearts.

Ps 91:3 says, For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.

In the previous verse of this chapter, David had called God his refuge, his fortress, his trust. Why? Because he knew God would rescue him from harm.

For it is He who delivers you….

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Nothing is Impossible!

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It’s too hard, you’ve got the wrong person for the job!

God tells Jeremiah that he has been appointed to Himself for the purpose of speaking truth to the people. Jeremiah does hear God and has been given some really encouraging words. Specifically, that God has known him all along and that He has a plan for his life. This is all cool, but then he gets more details. How does Jeremiah respond?

Jer 1:6 Then I said, "Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth."

Interesting, when I looked at the word ‘Alas’ in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, I found that it was a word used to express pain. Similar to something we might say like “Oh no”. Even with the encouragement that God had shared with Jeremiah, Jeremiah was reluctant to jump in with both feet! Have you been there? You know that something is good, it is right, it is what God would have you do, but…! Perhaps, the unfolding plan was not what you had expected or it seems very possible that what you should do may cause either yourself or others to be uncomfortable. Or perhaps, you’d rather stay on the quiet, unnoticed side of things and let someone else be the outspoken one. In Jeremiah’s case, he claimed his youth as an excuse to bowing out of God’s plan.

Let’s look at the words Jeremiah used to address God.

Lord <Adonay> as in my Lord.

God <Y@hovih> self-existent or eternal

This again speaks of the personal relationship Jeremiah had with God as he calls Him my God. The acknowledgement of God’s eternal existence agrees with the information Jeremiah had received that God knew him even before he was born. So Jeremiah answers God saying, “Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth”. It’s like he’s saying, ‘c’mon God, you know me, you understand me, I’m still young and I can’t say things well, I don’t have what it takes’.

It takes little imagination to think of what his unspoken thoughts might have been. ‘Give the job to someone else’, ‘Look, I’d like to help but this is not my comfort zone’, or ‘Really, are you sure I’m the one you want, there are others that would be a better choice’. We see this same kind of reaction to God’s plan elsewhere in the Bible. I immediately think of Moses. He voices insecurity in God’s plan as he questions Him with a list of ‘what ifs’.

Ex 4:1 Then Moses answered and said, "What if they will not believe me, or listen to what I say? For they may say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.'"

After the ‘what ifs’, Moses tried another tactic.

Ex 4:10 Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Moses couldn’t proclaim youth as his excuse, instead, he reminded God that he wasn’t an eloquent speaker – like God needed a reminder!! Later on in the same book, Moses reminded God again that people wouldn’t listen to him…

Ex 6:12 But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, "Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?"

How did God respond to Jeremiah’s concerns?

Jer 1:7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.

Well first, He threw the youth problem out the door! As Jeremiah was hoping to shrink away from the directions God was giving him, his protest of youth was negated. With God there are no limitations in performing the work He has set out for us! We may think we are too old, too young, or too shy. Perhaps we let lack of education or experience cause us to shrink away from stepping into a direction God is leading. Maybe we feel past mistakes disqualify us from being used by Him. No matter what obstacles we may perceive, there are no barriers that will keep God from being able to use us according to His plan. The question is, “Are you willing”? Don’t cling to your excuses, concentrate on His truths:

Ex 15:2a "The LORD is my strength and song,”

2Sa 22:33a "God is my strong fortress;”

Ps 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

2Co 12:9a And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."

Heb 11:33-34 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Jg 16:3 Now Samson lay until midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two posts and pulled them up along with the bars; then he put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of the mountain which is opposite Hebron.

2Sa 22:40 "For Thou hast girded me with strength for battle; Thou hast subdued under me those who rose up against me.

Isa 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Isa 41:10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Da 11:32b "but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Lu 18:27 But He said, "The things impossible with men are possible with God."

Lu 1:37 "For nothing will be impossible with God."

That’s quite a list of encouraging scriptures, and it’s only partial. There are so many more that we can cling to as we trust that God will give us everything needed for the task He puts in front of us!

I love that the NAS translation of Jeremiah 1:7 uses the words ‘everywhere’ and ‘all’. It’s not like God will get us started and then leave us on our own to finish! He’s not saying, “I’ll show you once, then you’ll do fine”. He’s with us. From the beginning to the end. Everywhere He sends us we are accompanied by His Spirit to strengthen, to encourage, to pick up when we fall, to even put words in our mouth when we don’t have any!

“Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.”

We have no excuse. In God we are able. Are you timid? God will cause you to be brave! Do we have insufficiencies? Sure! It would take me a very long time to list my weaknesses. Should this stop us from going forth to follow God’s will and direction? Absolutely not.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary suggests this wording from the Hebrew: “Thou shalt go upon all errands and messages that I shall send thee”.

Ac 26:16 'But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you;

Jer 1:17-18 "Now, gird up your loins, and arise, and speak to them all which I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, lest I dismay you before them. "Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city, and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land.

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Get up my friend! Be brave in the Lord! He’s picked you as His child. Nothing is too difficult for God. He has called exactly whom He wants to do the job He requires!

Fort Jefferson or Jesus?

A fortress is not only a place of safety but a place of strength.

Ps 91:2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"

My refuge - <machaceh> a shelter (literally or figuratively); hope, place of refuge, shelter, trust.

A refuge is a safe place. Something or someone we turn to for assistance and security; a shelter from danger or hardship (WordWeb). Think sanctuary or asylum. Places of protection and safety.

My fortress - <matsuwd> a net, or (abstractly) capture; also a fastness; castle, defense, fortress, stronghold, strong place.

A fortress is not only a place of safety but a place of strength. A stronghold keeps the enemy out. Fortresses were commonly built as defensive structures with weapons aimed and prepared to defend. Several years ago, I visited the ruins of Fort Jefferson. The picture below was taken while it was in active use.

One of America’s largest masonry-built buildings was designed in the mid-1800s to ward off pirates from the Gulf of Mexico shipping lanes. Located on Garden Key way out in the Florida Keys, past Key West, Fort Jefferson is made of more than 16 million bricks. It was a massive upgrade from the lighthouse that originally stood on this spot. The fort was in active use through the Civil War, mainly to house prisoners, but its thick walls weren’t as impressive by the late 1800s and it was abandoned as a fort. The structure was never fully finished, but the six-sided fort covers 11 of the 16 acres of land on the key and remains a tourist destination. Wikipedia.

Billions of dollars are spent in building structures for protection. Think military fortifications that are currently in use, secretive buildings that require the latest technology in identification for access. Is anything man-made immune from attack from an enemy? Consider 9-11 and the Pentagon. No matter how much money is spent or what technology is used, human kind is not impervious to attack.

But, where does the greatest source of infringement come from? From within. The same minds that work hard to think of ways to protect are the same minds that follow sin to the road of destruction and chaos. Intelligence can be used for good; it can also be used for evil. For attack. There are numerous weapons used for physical attack in war. Missiles, bombs, guns, grenades and, yes, even airplanes have been used as weapons. While many of us have been spared the experience of bodily harm from enemies, most of us can relate in one way or another to internal onslaught. Spiritual attack is often launched towards others from within. The use of spoken words, written words or stirring up hostility within a group are methods of attack commonly used by people. When this happens, where do you go? Who guards your heart, your thoughts, and your actions in response to attack?

Think again about a physical place of refuge. For all our efforts to provide physical protection, it eventually becomes outdated or wears out. No man made structure is completely impervious to attack. Buildings deteriorate, technology becomes old. What was once the best we have, now lays in ruins. Look at the pictures below of Fort Jefferson in July of 2009.

We do have an answer! It is not all futility. This is not a story of ho-hum humdrum, nowhere to go, wearisome thoughts. Rather, it is reminder of the exciting benefit we can have in Christ as our strength and security. The onslaught towards Truth is weak when met by God, our perfect and permanent refuge and strength.

Click for more study on Psalm 91:2…

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