She longs to be known. We were crafted with an inherent desire to be fully known—yet hide behind a veil—deceiving ourselves into believing we're okay. Why?
The [Woman]: “I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley.”
King Solomon: “Yes, a lily among thorns, so is my beloved as compared with any other girls.” Songs 2:1-2 TLB
She sees herself in His eyes. Could this be real? After all, I'm ordinary. There is nothing special about me, is there? Besides, I know myself—my thoughts—my actions. How could He possibly see me as pure—as pure as His beloved should be?
The [Woman]: “My lover is an apple tree, the finest in the orchard as compared with any of the other youths. I am seated in his much-desired shade and his fruit is lovely to eat. He brings me to the banquet hall, and everyone can see how much he loves me. Oh, feed me with your love—your ‘raisins’ and your ‘apples’—for I am utterly lovesick. His left hand is under my head and with his right hand he embraces me. Songs 2:3-6 TLB
Whether she is dreaming or a day-dreaming, what she knows is that she has never known a love like this before. She feels safe in His shadow, as He pours His grace over her and begins to revive her soul. Overwhelmed and longing for more, she can't help but wonder if she falls short.
Even with the many ways He shows His love, in the suffering and difficulties of life we can feel forsaken. There are moments when my eyes appear too blurry to see. Though I know I need to look at Him instead of my circumstances, at times that seems impossible. I notice, it's only in my yielding—if I'm paying attention—that it's actually Him, not me, that's lifting my head to assure me of His love.
O girls of Jerusalem, I adjure you by the gazelles and deer in the park, that you do not awaken my lover. Let him sleep!” Songs 2:7 TLB
She does not want to awaken just yet. In silence, she knows He waits for her to choose Him. True love always requires a choice. It can not be manipulated or forced; not by me or you, and not by anyone else. God will not allow it. He knows the heart who seeks to be fully known. His desire is that you choose Him; even and especially when it seems as though He's impossible to find.
The [Woman]: “Ah, I hear him—my beloved! Here he comes, leaping upon the mountains and bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or young deer. Look, there he is behind the wall, now looking in at the windows. Songs 2:8-9 TLB
She recognizes His voice. He's coming for her. Will He free her from the chains that bind her? He wants to, but she has to be willing. Avoiding areas inside ourselves that we'd rather not face is as natural to us as breathing. If you let Jesus into those places, He'll uproot what doesn't belong and lead you to freedom. He's willing to break through whatever separates Him from His beloved. However, because He is a gentleman, He will not force Himself upon you.
Lately, God is teaching me that as I allow Him to take my thoughts captive more and more, He looks directly into my soul, into your soul, and knowing what's needed, He gracefully enters the places we hide. There is no wall that He can not cause to fall. Oh if only we could consistently, no matter the circumstance, join Him in leaping with joy over mountains.
It's a journey beloved. Keep focusing your eyes on Him. There are many more layers to unfold as He continues to open our hearts to His love story.
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
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