Day 194

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An Exaltation of Love!

Song of Solomon Introduction

King Solomon, who wrote over a thousand songs, calls this his "song of songs." Full of oriental imagery, the Song of Solomon recounts his marrying a country maiden. While it extols the bliss of married love and the burning devotion of spouses to one another, it also speaks of the heartaches of marriage. Though some interpreters consider it a fictional drama and others view it as literal event of Solomon's life, all have caught an intimate glimpse of God's fervent love for his people within these lyrics.

Scripture

July 12—Song of Solomon 1-8: The Greatest Love Song

Observation

The Song of Solomon is a love poem set in a rustic pastoral setting. In it Solomon woos and weds a Shulamite shepherdess ("The Girl"), extolling her love and exulting in her presence. When conflict arises between Solomon and his new bride, it is quickly resolved without pouting or bitterness. In their tender relationship many have seen glimpses of a love far richer. Just as physical life finds its highest fulfillment in the love of man and woman, so spiritual life finds its highest fulfillment in the love of the Creator for his creation, and the love of Christ for his bride the Church.

Application

There is really only one way to develop physical stamina. You can't study your way there, eat your way there, sleep your way there or think your way there. Stamina comes through exercise: running, jumping, skipping rope, lifting weights, huffing, and puffing.

The same is true in your marriage. Commitment in the face of conflict produces character. Love in marriage grows and deepens when exercised through faith-stretching circumstances: illness, unexpected job change, babies, in-laws, bills, times of separation. In each case, your need is the same: to know that God is big enough to meet your need, and wise enough to use even the difficult times to deepen your commitment to him and to one another.

Here's a prayer you may never have prayed, but which God has longed to hear: "Loving Father, You know my problems. And though it would be easier to ask you to remove it, I ask instead for you to use it to strengthen my commitment to you and to my spouse."

Prayer

Yes, Lord, if you need to use somebody please use us. Use our problems to strengthen our commitment to you. We do not ever want to be separated from you at any time because we know you are more than big enough to meet our needs! We just want to be more obedient to you and your Word so that we will have life and have it in abundant. Thank you, Lord for your everlasting love! In Jesus name, amen!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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