Gleaning by the Ocean

I love to walk along the seashore, hunting for shells, smooth stones and discovering the treasure of sea glass. Gleaning by the ocean is soothing. 

Photo by Jeanne Doyon

There is something about the ocean that draws me. Peace and power in the same place.  Click to Tweet

Kind of like Jesus

During this season of REST, I spent a couple of days by the shore. It was chilly—not really beach weather but the time away refreshed me.

The book of Ruth held treasure for me as I sat by the water's edge. No matter how many times I read her story, I glean something new. Her story draws me too, because it is filled with precious truths.

I read:

“May the Lord reward your work and your wages be full from the Lord…under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”  Ruth 2:12

My reward and wages may not look like the world’s because God’s definition of success come from the Kingdom dictionary.

It is HE that rewards my work.

My wages are full from HIM.

How well, He knows me. I am trying to prove myself again – to others – to myself – and maybe even to God.

Forgive me, LORD.

My calendar doesn’t prove my success, nor does my income.

It’s my obedience, reliance and trust in my God who provides. Jehovah-Jireh. And, it is the fruit that remains.

Photo by Jeanne Doyon

I feel like Ruth gleaning in the field. Trying to provide. Trying to survive. Then You LORD, like Boaz, say,

“Come here [Draw near], that you may eat of the bread and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar. So [Ruth] sat beside the reapers; and he served her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left.”  Ruth 2:14

Then Ruth shared with Naomi [verse 18].

I’m always amazed at how God speaks to me through His word. Click to tweet

Wherever I am; whatever I am going through, His word is for right then. 

I Heard God say:

• Draw near to Me.
• I AM your source.
• Blessings come from MY hand.
• I provide plenty so you can eat and be satisfied.
• I provide plenty so you can share the abundance with others.

Photo by Jeanne Doyon

Like Ruth, I glean despite the famine in my soul. Spiritual hunger spurs me to find something to satisfy the empty places.

“Boaz said to Ruth, ‘Listen carefully, my daughter. Do not go to glean in another field…” Ruth 2:8

How often do I try to gather scraps from different fields hoping to be satisfied? Click to Tweet 

Lord, show me where to gather…under your protection…under the shadow of your wings. Help me to draw near and receive from your hand.

His word is powerful and it brings peace. Like the ocean, it is peace and power in one place. It speaks to my situation today. And will speak again tomorrow. The Living Word is like that.

Here is a free image to share:

Gleaning by the ocean produced fruit and treasure for my weary soul. He fed me from His hand and I am satisfied. I have plenty to share.

Where are you gleaning today? Does it satisfy?

Jeanne

The book of Ruth is just four chapters long but is called one of the great love stories of the Bible. Though she was a foreigner, her lineage goes straight to Jesus. Further proof of God's love for every person, no matter their background or nationality.

For more insight on rest from Holley Gerth, check out her recent post on (in)courage called, A Better Kind of Ambition

All photos by Jeanne Doyon

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