Rest in obedience.

Day 26

Ruth 3:5

“And she replied, ‘All that you say I will do.’”

Rest in obedience.

The musical play, now movie, Wicked, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, tells the story of how the Wicked Witch of the West became wicked. She rebelled against an establishment that looked upon her differently because she was different. She would not accept being part of the status quo. In one iconic song she says, “And if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free. To those who ground me, take a message back from me: Tell them how I am defying gravity. I'm flying high, defying gravity”.

Autonomy is a human trait. We would rather be poor and hungry if it means we are free. A noble ideal, indeed. It’s what makes up for revolutions. But like everything else, it can be taken to extremes, especially when we seek independence from God and leave the umbrella of His protection.

An old hymn speaks of “trust and obey, there is no other way. To be happy in Jesus, we must trust and obey”. This hits hard. When my own grandchildren were toddlers and starting their first rebellious stage, I would sing that to them.

Therein lies the keyword. Trust. We obey because we trust. Then we can find rest, because we know that the object of our trust really does care and has our best interest in mind in those moments when our own judgment fails us.

Ruth trusted Naomi. She could have easily rebelled and said, “No. Why should I go lie next to a man I do not know, a lot older than me, and become dependent on him, even if it means I will never lack again? I would rather go hungry, as long as I am free.” Rather, Ruth trusted Naomi. She knew Naomi loved and cared for her and would not send her out into the wolves. She knew better. She loved Naomi. She trusted Naomi. She obeyed Naomi.

The rebellious child will eventually trust their parents because they know they are loved, or at least that is how it should be. A woman willfully submits to her husband’s leadership role because she knows she is loved. Love produces trust.

The key to obedience is trust. The key to trust is love. In the world, people resist and rebel because they do not love, and they know they are not loved. There is no trust, so why obey? We love God because He loved us first. That should be enough for us to trust him. So, #getittogethergirl. Submit to God, who loves you more than you can ever imagine. Let him take you by the hand and guide you. Then you will find rest in Him. He is your provider, your healer, your savior. Love Him. Trust Him. Obey Him. Find rest in obedience.

Father, I come in humility, trusting in your unfailing love for me, knowing that only you can bring peace to my world. I need rest. So, I give you all of me. Take me, guide me, use me. Let me rest in the peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

My reflections:

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

 John 14:23

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