My husband and I have a joke between us. We laugh because I am a person who "yearns and aches" for things. To be who I'm meant to be, to pursue what I've been put here on the planet for, to love deep and well, etc. Sometimes I feel so driven by what's stirring in my heart I almost feel sick... really, literally sick it is such a deep longing.
Have you felt this? I'm comforted by the verses in Song of Solomon and Psalm that acknowledge this deep-seated craving in our souls. There is a lovesickness, a desire, and a longing for more. Song of Solomon has a dual storyline. In one, its words describe the admiration for the beloved, with intense desire. Longing. Craving. To the point of lovesickness. The Shulamite says her beloved brought her to his banqueting table, and she continues to request he sustain her with raisins and apples for she is lovesick. She can't get enough of him. And his desire is to fulfill her.
His left hand cradles my head while his right hand holds me close, I am at rest in this love. (Song of Solomon 2:6 tPt)
The second storyline is that of the Lover or our soul and us. There is a deep longing in the heart of man. A hunger, craving for eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and a desire to have the greatest love the world has ever known. At times we can feel so desperate that we go to extremes to find it. I believe it is when we cry out to God, "I'm lovesick, fulfill me," that this deep longing begins to be met. When we sit in His shadow and eat of His fruit, it is only then that the deep longing is satisfied. It is there that we find rest.
I will say that living in this world and maintaining that space of contentedness isn't easily maintained. It requires constant rekindling. It requires us to "come away", feed the relationship, and allow God to fulfill us. And if I'm honest, it may not always seem natural. Sometimes it is a struggle. Sometimes the cares of this world and the constant barrage of our culture zap our strength, our intention, and we are left depleted. It is especially then that we need to "come away". Step away from the distractions of this world and take in the fruit of our relationship with Jesus, the lover of our soul. I hope you sit at His banqueting table this week, and eat to the full, and find rest in His love.
Prayer:
Father, Thank You for Your great love. Help me to find rest in Your presence. Help me to step away and allow You to feed my soul, for only You know what I truly need. You are my delight. I am at rest in Your love.
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
~ C.S. Lewis
This summer's challenge: sit quietly (or go on a walk) in His presence for five minutes each day. No agenda, no need to say anything, just sit (or walk) with Him in silence and see what He might stir in your heart. I am challenging myself to do the same. We just might find hidden treasure in the process.
(All Bible verses are from the ESV translation unless otherwise noted)
