First Comes Love - Day 19
Day 19 - Thursday, May 02
Read Song of Solomon 6-7
Highlight
Our lovers have finally united and their passion is unhindered. Twice leading up to these chapters we hear the Young Woman ask her friends to help her ‘not to awaken love until the time is right’ (2:7 & 3:5). It’s implied that in the early chapters of the book that our young couple is betrothed, but not married. Their anticipation is palpable…we’ve all been there. The Young Woman’s concern is not about the goodness of love and sex itself, but her sincere desire to receive this gift from God in the way she knows it can be fully enjoyed as He intended, in the context of marriage. Safe in the protection of this sacred union her heart is set free. Their faithfulness is rewarded with unrestrained delight:
“And there I’ll give myself to you,
my love to your love!
Love-apples drench us with fragrance,
fertility surrounds, suffuses us,
Fruits fresh and preserved
that I’ve kept and saved just for you, my love.” (7:12-13 MSG)
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Song of Solomon 6-7
Highlight
Our lovers have finally united and their passion is unhindered. Twice leading up to these chapters we hear the Young Woman ask her friends to help her ‘not to awaken love until the time is right’ (2:7 & 3:5). It’s implied that in the early chapters of the book that our young couple is betrothed, but not married. Their anticipation is palpable…we’ve all been there. The Young Woman’s concern is not about the goodness of love and sex itself, but her sincere desire to receive this gift from God in the way she knows it can be fully enjoyed as He intended, in the context of marriage. Safe in the protection of this sacred union her heart is set free. Their faithfulness is rewarded with unrestrained delight:
“And there I’ll give myself to you,
my love to your love!
Love-apples drench us with fragrance,
fertility surrounds, suffuses us,
Fruits fresh and preserved
that I’ve kept and saved just for you, my love.” (7:12-13 MSG)
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in First Comes Love