In a world filled with uncertainty, our hearts often search for rest and security. We find ourselves grasping for control, willing to manipulate circumstances to ensure our safety and well-being. But no matter how hard we try, how well-crafted our plan, or how earnest our feelings, we cannot secure rest for our own souls — our hands, nor the things of this world can hold the weight of them.

Throughout the book of Ruth the concept of the kinsman-redeemer offers a picture for understanding God's gift of rest. Imagine growing up knowing that if you ever found yourself in trouble—burdened by debt, forced to sell your land, or seeking justice for a wrong—a family member could step in and rescue you. This redeemer would be someone of means who could pay the redemption price, but also someone of character, would would be willing to pay that price simply for your benefit.

Ruth, a widow and foreigner, finds herself gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of her deceased husband. Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, recognizes an opportunity for redemption and devises a plan to secure Ruth's future.

Here's where the story takes an intriguing turn. Naomi's scheme, while well-intentioned, reveals a common human tendency: trying to take by force through other means what God gives freely.

Naomi instructs Ruth to make herself presentable, go to the threshing floor under the cover of night where Boaz is working, and essentially make herself available to him after his heart has been made glad by food and drink. It's a risky and potentially compromising plan that seems born out of desperation and fear.

But how often do we find ourselves in similar situations? Seeing our vulnerabilities, how often do we convince ourself that we need x, y, or z, that God would want us to have x, y, or z, so we should take it when we can. Didn’t Abraham and Sarah do this when they tried to have an heir through Hagar? Didn’t Eve do this when she sought satisfaction by self-procurement? We rationalize our actions, convincing ourselves that the end justifies the means.

But as the story unfolds, we see a beautiful contrast in Boaz's response. Rather than taking advantage of the situation, he acts with honor and compassion. He recognizes Ruth's request for protection and promises to fulfill the role of kinsman-redeemer, not because he was tricked or coerced, but because he genuinely cares for her well-being.

We don't need to manipulate or scheme to secure God’s love and provision. He isn't moved by our attempts to make ourselves presentable or worthy. Instead, like Boaz, God delights in being our Redeemer. He doesn't need to be convinced or tricked into helping us—His heart already overflows with love and compassion.

Jesus' words in Matthew 6 resonate deeply with this theme: "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on... Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

The invitation is clear: let go of your anxious striving and trust in God's provision. This doesn't mean we become passive or irresponsible, but rather that we approach life with open hands and hearts full of faith. We can release our grip on false sources of security and rest in the knowledge that our Redeemer lives.

Consider the words of Isaiah 55: "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?"

These verses paint a vivid picture of God's abundant provision, freely given to all who come to Him. We don't have to earn it, scheme for it, or prove ourselves worthy. The invitation is open to everyone who has the need, and that’s all of us.

So how do we live in light of this truth? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Recognize your need for rest and security. It's not wrong to desire these things—we were created for them.

2. Identify areas where you might be trying to force outcomes or manipulate situations out of fear.

3. Turn your eyes to your Redeemer and see his cross. Remember the lengths to which God has already gone to demonstrate His love for you.

4. Practice letting go. When anxiety creeps in, consciously release your grip on false sources of security and reaffirm your trust in God.

5. Cultivate gratitude for the ways God has already provided and redeemed in your life.

6. Seek to be a "Boaz" to others—someone who demonstrates God's hesed (overflowing, boundary-breaking love and faithfulness) in tangible ways.

As we learn to rest in God's redemption, we find a peace that surpasses understanding. We can walk through uncertain times with confidence, knowing that our Redeemer lives and delights in caring for us. This doesn't mean life will always be easy, but it does mean we're never alone in our struggles.

May we be a people who testify to the rest and security found in God alone. May our lives reflect the transformative power of trusting in a Redeemer who loves us beyond measure. And may we extend that same hesed love to those around us, becoming channels of God's redemption in a world desperate for true rest.