What, or who, are you devoted to? Take a moment to think about what you find yourself dwelling on. What gets your attention, your energy, time, and money? What actions are present in your daily life to show your answer is true? Are you willing to sacrifice some things you want, for what you need and value more? It is easy to say we value things or people, but when we look at our actions, we may see our actions do not match the level of devotion we feel we have.
I used to be a health nut. I still value health, but my actions lately do not consistently show this to be true. I thank God for my health but have let the consistency of exercise and self-care go. Health became more of an aspiration or longing as it took a back seat to other things I became devoted to more. Some of those things were worthy of devotion, some were not. If feeling devoted is not enough, what does true devotion look like?
Devotion consists of:
loyalty
earnest attachment
faithfulness
consistency
Recall in chapter one, Ruth had already shown devotion through her determination to go with Naomi to Bethlehem. Ruth’s country of Moab was a heathen nation. It is important to note Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law would not have been as righteous if they had not had the common ground of faith in God. She was not only showing devotion to her family of God and love for her mother-in-law, but to God and her personal relationship with Him.
Now, read Ruth Chapter 2 with “devotion” in mind and see what stands out to you. Look for how Ruth showed devotion, and how God is devoted to His people.
Ruth 2:2-4 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi,
“Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead my daughter.'' So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.
Ruth took initiative. Devotion is not passive. She submitted herself to the wisdom of Naomi, but she also led the way with a heart ready to spring to action. She gleaned where God brought her. She was likely still grieved by her loss, but even in grieving she was ready to glean what she could where she was.
It is interesting to note in Leviticus 19:9-10 that God had instructed people to not reap the harvest up to the edge. They were to leave some for sojourners and the poor. This allowed the poor to work at the edge of the fields and provide for themselves in a way. I am not saying God made this law for Ruth who would come later, but God’s law always works in favor of His people even down the road. It also shows Boaz’ devotion to living by God’s law.
Boaz inquired about Ruth and the overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. She said, “Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters. She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”
He showed her great kindness and had heard of her earnest affection for her mother-in-law because her reputation precedes her. She was consistent in her character and care for Naomi, her work ethic, and faithfulness.
In verses 19-20 Ruth showed Naomi all she gleaned. Naomi is amazed at the amount of barley Ruth brought home. Naomi asked where she worked and Ruth replied,
”The name of the man I worked for is Boaz. “The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law.” He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead,” She added, ”That man is our close relative, he is one of our guardian redeemers.”
Naomi knew she had a kinsman redeemer named Boaz. She did not know Ruth had worked in his field. Ruth did not just happen upon that field because of chance, God guided her there. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi had outcomes that restored Naomi’s faith. God never stops working. He is consistently for you. He is devoted to working things out for good for those who love Him.
Maybe you are evaluating some things in your days and wondering if you are capable of such a level of devotion. Good news, Ruth was human, and God guided her and was at work for her. He will and does the same for us. This is not only a story of Ruth and Boaz devoted to each other but shows us God’s devotion to his people. He blessed Ruth for her devotion, but He also blessed Naomi through her, even after she and her late husband left the promised land and went to Moab where they did not belong.
We are to be devoted, and the Holy Spirit does equip us to live this way, even when we do not feel capable. We are also going to miss it. At some point, we will catch ourselves neglecting and showing devotion to the wrong things. Then, we can take our fickle un-devotedness and lay it at the feet of our fully devoted God.
Take a moment and go to God in reverence and thank Him for his love, attentiveness to details, consistency and faithfulness. Ask Him to help you live a life devoted to Him and His ways. Ask Him to help you catch it quickly when the wrong things or wrong people are getting your devotion.
...
Thank you, God for how devotedly you love me. Give me eyes to see you at work, and to trust you in the details I don’t see. You are never not working! Please forgive me when my energy, time, money, or affection, are devoted to things not of you or your will. Help me let your spirit guide me and keep me attentive to the guidance you give. Help me take initiative where I can and to trust and lean into you when things seem impossible. Thank you, Lord for being so good that you want my devotion, despite who I once was. Correct me quickly when the wrong things and wrong people get my devotion. God, help me glean in whatever field you place me in! Keep me devoted in work and in waiting. Thank you that you are fully devoted to me, even when I fail. Help me think on your devotedness and live for and become more like Jesus every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Joanna is a contributing writer for Shaken and Stirred. She loves Jesus and hopes she never stops learning more about Him. She is a Life Coach working alongside women and adolescence, as well as a mom to amazing 11&13 year old young men. She loves hiking and yoga when she gets the chance to do it. She often enjoys writing, creating, coffee with a friend or book, and laughing while hanging out with her boys.