Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Listen! My Lover! Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look! There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice. My lover spoke and said to me, “Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”
– Song of Songs 2:8-13 (NIV)
Devotion
In this passage, Solomon’s beloved describes the joy she feels when her lover comes to find her. Solomon invites her twice to “come with me” now that the time is right. The lovers celebrate their love as they participate in the marvels of God’s great creation and His timing. God created the world with all of the incredible beauty we see, the joy of love and sex as well as the senses to enjoy them. God created men and women to enjoy sex within a committed marriage relationship in the same way he created them to enjoy the beauty of the world around them. He also created all people to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him.
The Big Question
What are some ways we can slow down or maybe even stop our busy lifestyles to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation? How has sin complicated our views of the sexual relationship? How do you feel about God’s love for you? What are some practical ways to develop a more intimate relationship with God?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what you have learned.