Day 162 My Beloved is Mine

 

6/11/2025

 "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm;

for love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave;

its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame.

Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it.

If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house

it would be utterly despised." 

Solomon 8:6-7 

 

I love Song of Solomon about a Shulamite woman and her beloved, a love song written by King Solomon about his love for a shepherdess whom he marries. It is a beautiful description of the love of our King Jesus for His bride, the Church. It is rich in metaphors and imagery beautifully set to poetry. According to the preface: "Allegorically, it pictures Israel as God's betrothed bride (Hosea 2:19-20), and the church as the bride of Christ. As human life finds its highest fulfillment in the love of man and woman, so spiritual life finds its highest fulfillment in the love of God for His people and Christ for His church."

This has been a long, painful day for me, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, but of all the topics I could write about, God's love is always foremost in my heart. I have responded to more than one call for corporate prayer today, and while I love to pray, mostly I prefer to sit still and listen to what He's saying to me. I participated in one call that had such an overwhelming response that some people calling in were unable to get through. It's always good to know that we have that many people who are involved in a ministry who will respond with short notice, especially in troubling times.

On Tuesday evenings I participate in a small online prayer group of people from different states. I feel blessed to have been asked to be part of it. Last night I listened to the prayers, but when it came to my turn, I passed, just wanting to be quiet. Prior to the meeting I had several things on my heart, and scriptures seemed so appropriate, but then, a silence came over me. I really can't explain why, although the devil always wants me to feel badly about anything I do. I admit that I haven't been feeling the best since I wrangled with that tree, and it has left me a bit incapacitated, it seems, so that has wearied me a bit. Still, although the news is crazy, chaotic, demonic, I feel a peace inside of me. I will continue to pray, fully armored, because I am all too aware of the spiritual battle that is being waged. That's what I'm called to do, make up the hedge, stand on the wall. I would never shirk that responsibility. This is not a time to fear, no matter what may come, rather it is a time to repent and pray. But it is also a time to seriously take a look at our amazing God, and to listen to what He is saying: 

"The LORD is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in love."

Psalm 145:8

While it may seem like a strange time to take a side step from exhortations and encouragement to focus on God's nature, it is in fact a perfect time, and not even a side step. The truth is that in all things, all situations, we praise God. When we enter His gates to meet Him daily, we are told to do so with thanksgiving in our hearts, and to enter His courts with praise (Psalm 100). So, actually this is not only appropriate, but it is vital. When we acknowledge who He is, we welcome His presence, adore Him, and enter low, humbly into repentant prayer. I want my heart pure before Him, and I want to grow in His character and grace. I want none of myself, but total surrender and obedience to Him. In 60 Days of Prayer, a short, daily devotional, the author penned these words: "God's unwavering love creates a foundation of hope and strength in your life. As you ponder His nature, you find comfort, knowing that His love for you is unwavering." 

Just sitting here, carefully considering these words, I now realize that the time has quickly passed, and it is once more the end of one day, and the beginning of the next.

Hopefully I can dream of God's love for me, a seal around my arm, permanent, even deep waters cannot quench. Such a beautiful end to a confusing day. Shalom.