Satisfied by His Goodness

By Kristen Hollis

“So Boaz said to Ruth, ‘My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.’ At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, ‘Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?’ Boaz replied, ‘I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.’ ‘May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,’ she said. ‘You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant, though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.’ At mealtime Boaz said to her, ‘Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.’ When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over.”—Ruth 2:8–14 (NIV)

“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse.”—Matthew 1:5 (NIV)

Think about one of the most satisfying meals you’ve ever had. Maybe it was a home-cooked dinner surrounded by family or a simple snack shared with a friend when you needed comfort. Food connects us—it reminds us we’re cared for, provided for, and loved.

In today’s passage, Ruth experiences this kind of nourishment in the most unexpected way. A widowed foreigner gleaning scraps from a field, she’s simply trying to survive. But through Boaz’s kindness, she’s invited to sit, eat, and be satisfied. Her ordinary day of gathering grain becomes an extraordinary encounter with God’s provision.

This moment isn’t just about food—it’s a taste of grace. Ruth, once empty, leaves full. And through her story, we see how God often works in the quiet details of daily life, transforming what feels routine into something redemptive. What Ruth couldn’t have known is that her faithfulness and Boaz’s generosity would become part of a much bigger story—one that leads to Jesus Himself.

God still does that today. He takes the ordinary ingredients of our lives—our work, service, and obedience—and uses them to accomplish something eternal. He fills our hunger for belonging, purpose, and love with Himself.

As you taste your food today, let it remind you: God takes ordinary moments and turns them into extraordinary displays of His goodness.

Put It To Practice: Connect

God created us for deep connection! Whatever your personality is, you weren’t meant to do life alone. An essential part of becoming more like Jesus is developing routines of connecting with His people. Additionally, the greatest commandment was summarized by Jesus as loving God and loving others. Today, practice loving others by connecting intentionally through a meal with people around you. Whether it’s at work, with your family, a roommate, or a friend, take turns asking each other what God’s doing in your lives.

For the Family

Today’s Main Idea: God fills everyday moments with His goodness.

Ask Together:

1. How did God show His kindness to Ruth through Boaz?
2. What’s one ordinary thing in your day that shows God’s goodness?

Prayer

Father, thank You for the ways You provide for me every day. Help me to recognize Your goodness in small things and to taste the joy of Your presence. Amen.