Today’s Reading: Song of Songs

There are many different interpretations of the beautiful, poetic story told by Solomon in the Song of Songs. Taking it at face value, you might think it is a love story about a man and a woman. This passionate young couple is in love and enjoying the sexuality given to them by God. We can see that God created us to love in this way.

Now consider the possibility that this book written by King Solomon is about how much God loves us and how He provides intimacy when we purposefully spend time with Him. This relationship with God is different from, yet can also be compared to, the intense love of a man and woman. I can see that God loves me strongly, and I can become passionate about my spiritual relationship with Him. But relationships require attention and care; they cannot be ignored or taken for granted — neither human relationships nor our relationship with God.

My brothers were angry with me; they forced me to care for their vineyards,
so I couldn’t care for myself – my own vineyard. – Song of Songs 1:6b

How often are we so busy doing things for other people that we fail to take care of ourselves? We are so busy working in the vineyard — living life, maybe even doing ministry — that we fail to make time to slip away into the quiet God is calling us to.

Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love,
the grapevines are blossoming. – Song of Songs 2:15

The grapevines are blossoming. We are growing in our relationship with God and there is fruit in our ministry, but beware of the foxes. Beware of the little things in life that creep in and prevent us from experiencing intimacy with God. They become distractions and they seek to ruin the vineyard. We become so focused on the foxes that we find ourselves feeling once again distant from God. We look around and wonder where He is. We have lost our focus and need to find it again.

One night as I lay in bed, I yearned for my lover.
I yearned for him, but he did not come.
So I said to myself, “I will get up and roam the city,
searching in all its streets and squares.
I will search for the one I love.”
So I searched everywhere but did not find him.
The watchmen stopped me as they made their rounds, and I asked, “Have you seen the one I love?”
Then scarcely had I left them when I found my love! – Song of Songs 3:1-4a

Where is God? We have all found ourselves, at one time or another, asking that question. We have faith to believe He is present, but we also have a strong need to feel His presence because of our circumstances. We yearn for His touch. We slip away to a quiet place, searching for comfort and peace.

WHEN WE SEEK GOD, WE WILL FIND HIM.

When we search for intimacy with our Savior, He will come to us and provide a place for us to be strengthened and refreshed by Him. Picture it. His left arm will support your head, giving you rest when you are weary or comfort when you are mourning. His right arm will embrace you. You will feel the arms of God holding you up in even the most difficult of situations.

Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men.
I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit.
He escorts me to the banquet hall; IT’S OBVIOUS HOW MUCH HE LOVES ME.
Strengthen me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am weak with love.
His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me. – Song of Songs 2:3-6

God’s love feels just like King Solomon described. It feels like being wrapped in the strong arms of your Father – it feels safe, warm and comforting.

I slept, but my heart was awake, when I heard my lover knocking and calling:
“Open to me, my treasure, my darling, my dove, my perfect one.
My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.”
But I responded, “I have taken off my robe. Should I get dressed again?
I have washed my feet. Should I get them soiled?” – Song of Songs 5:2-3

The One who loves her more than she can even imagine is calling out for her to come to Him and she is counting the cost. Counting the cost — something we are probably all guilty of. God has created us for an intimate and personal relationship with Him, but we count the cost. Do I have the time to spend with God; do I have the energy after a long day? We often find ourselves too busy or too tired to spend time with the Lover of our Soul.

But when we consider how much He loves us…
When we consider how much He has done for us…
When we consider how he died for us…
When perfume is dripping from our hands and myrrh from our fingers (5:5)…
When we consider how much our salvation cost Him, we run to the door!

OH, HOW HE LOVES US!

When you have wasted time counting the cost, He loves you! When those around you have left you wounded and scarred, He loves you! When you have fallen to temptation and need forgiveness, He loves you! He is jealous for you and welcomes you with grace in His eyes. Oh, how He loves you! You cannot waste time maintaining regrets when you step into the presence of a God who loves you THIS much – who is calling you to intimacy with Him. He calls you to dwell in the garden. He longs to hear your voice (8:13). Let Him hear your voice.