He is assuring her that she is most beautiful of all. It's only in the security of His love that we find the ability to hold tightly to Him as He molds and shapes our character into His likeness. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more like Him we become.
This has been a year full of trial and tribulation. We've had to navigate through uncharted territories of all kinds. And I think it's probably safe to say that most of us already had a full plate on the table.
I know God led me to this book for such a time as this. We see from the beginning that she is honest about her fears. She hesitates, as she holds back in doubt, and wonders if she will ever be good enough, smart enough, pretty enough or pure enough to be truly loved by her King.
I understand her well. I don't know about you, but my default is not always faith. In the twists and turns of life, I can find that I'm not walking forward in faith, but instead, many times in fear; while holding my breath hoping for the best outcome. When I face something difficult, I typically start with fear—which eventually gives way to surrender—and surrender leads to faith.
I share this a lot, but I always hesitate. Why? Because the Christian narrative says that fear is a sign of unbelief. It saddens me that many people, especially Christians, find it difficult to be transparent for fear of judgment. I believe transparency brings freedom and the lack holds in bondage.
The truth is, I'm not sure why I struggle with fear. I love Jesus and I am devoted to Him. I often wonder if the pull toward fear is just part of my personality—or life circumstance—or maybe it's a learned behavior. I'd venture to say it's probably all of the above; and the fact of the matter is, not only do I know it, so does my enemy.
But God knows better than me. Knowing my strengths and weaknesses, He created me with a bent toward fear. Actually, I believe, our greatest strength comes out of our greatest weakness. He's aware of what it will take to keep each of us surrendered to Him. God plants His seeds into our weaknesses and His strength grows out of it. No matter what the world dictates, what the devil tells us, or even what we tell ourselves; this is what God speaks over His bride—
King Solomon: How sweet is your love, my darling, my bride. How much better it is than mere wine. The perfume of your love is more fragrant than all the richest spices. Your lips, my dear, are made of honey. Yes, honey and cream are under your tongue, and the scent of your garments is like the scent of the mountains and cedars of Lebanon.
“My darling bride is like a private garden, a spring that no one else can have, a fountain of my own. Songs 4:10-12 TLB
Oh, how He rejoices over her and delights in the fact that she belongs to Him. Beloved, when you gave yourself to the Lover of your soul, He made you His. Remember, even when you don't believe the Truth, it makes it no less true.
You are like a lovely orchard bearing precious fruit, with the rarest of perfumes; nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, and perfume from every other incense tree, as well as myrrh and aloes, and every other lovely spice. You are a garden fountain, a well of living water, refreshing as the streams from the Lebanon mountains.” Songs 4:13-15 TLB
Just like her, we are fertile ground. When One with Him, we bear the fruit of the Vine. We are—redeemed in His sight—the light of the world—a sweet aroma of grace—holy in His eyes—abundant in mercy—the oil of gladness—and we soar high on wings like eagles.
The [Woman]: “Come, north wind, awaken; come, south wind, blow upon my garden and waft its lovely perfume to my beloved. Let him come into his garden and eat its choicest fruits.”. Songs 4:16 TLB
She knows it's only by His grace that she is able to become fully His. It is by Grace, through faith, that we are saved. God breathed life into Adam and He does the same with us. He made us His masterpiece and created us anew in Christ so we can do the good things He planned long ago. (Ephesians 2:10)
Oswald Chambers wrote, "It is God’s Spirit that changes the atmosphere of our way of looking at things, and then things begin to be possible which before were impossible. Getting into God’s stride means nothing less than oneness with Him."
King Solomon: “I am here in my garden, my darling, my bride! I gather my myrrh with my spices and eat my honeycomb with my honey. I drink my wine with my milk.”
The Young Women of Jerusalem: “Oh, lover and beloved, eat and drink! Yes, drink deeply!”. Songs 5:1 TLB
God will fill you with His Spirit. She is a well watered garden, set free and ready for the adventure He has for her.
Are you?
True and honest transparency with Him is an ideal place to start.
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