Daily devotional

July 20 - Seeking rest

“Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?”” - Ruth 3:1 Scripture reading: Ruth 3:1-5 Ruth is most certainly being redeemed in this story, but Naomi’s heart is also being restored, little by little bit. In chapter 2, her eyes were being opened again to God's amazing work. She is starting to make connections, starting to see how God might use this all for good. At least some of her bitterness is dissolving. Seeing God at work also means that Naomi turns some of her attention away from herself to her daughter-in-law. And so, she says to her daughter-in-law “should I not seek rest for you?” Back in chapter 1:9, as the party of three was leaving Moab, Naomi had encouraged both girls to go back to Moab. Then she used the same word “rest.” Back then she was hoping that the LORD would somehow give this covenant rest to Ruth back in godless Moab, as if that were possible. But now? Now Naomi and Ruth are together back in the Promised Land. Now, Naomi is determined to find rest for Ruth in a way that conforms to God’s covenant. In Ruth 2:12, she seeks rest for Ruth under the wings of the covenant God where she had come to take refuge. Where do we look for our rest? Where do you seek comfort and rest for your loved ones? Too often we try to find rest in this Moab-like world. But there’s no real rest to be found there. It’s only to be found by taking shelter under the wings of our Redeemer. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on where you seek your rest and ask your heavenly Father to forgive you for seeking it in the wrong places. Then ask Him for His Spirit to guide you as you seek rest for yourself and your loved ones in Him alone.

Since 2019, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen has served the Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Church near Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. He, his wife, children and grandchildren are deeply grateful for the blessing of daily living under the shelter of God’s wings. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.