Love's Song
I spent some time this morning sitting in front of my picture window. Chickadees, Cardinals, and a flock of Robins scrounging for food added a welcomed contrast to the grey and dreary landscape.
The temperatures here in zone seven have been significantly below average. A looming winter storm threatens to shut down most of the weekend's Valentine's activities.
As the north wind increased its wicked chill, I grabbed the calendar from a nearby desktop. "Awww...only 9 more weeks until our last frost date... Spring is on the way!"
"The season has changed, the bondage of your barren winter has ended,
and the season of hiding is over and gone." Song of Solomon 2:11 TPT
My husband and I celebrate Valentine's Day quite simply.
Although I enjoy cut flowers as much as anyone, I would much rather go shopping and buy a miniature rose bush to plant outside in my yard.
As an avid gardener, I purposely plant flowers that perform well in the fresh bouquets that adorn my dining room table all summer.
My husband and I exchanged handwritten love letters instead of an expense card.
To some people, that sounds boring and unromantic. But after almost forty years of marriage, Randy and I have learned something...
This time of year, the flowers in my garden seem dull, colorless, and dead, but their roots are very much alive. During winter, plants take a break from actively producing top growth but continue developing the root system.
The same is true in relationships—seasons in life change. As the beauty of youth fades, it is replaced with an indestructible root system of Love, honor, respect, and thankfulness.
"You must catch the troubling foxes, those sly little foxes that hinder our relationship. For they raid our budding vineyard of Love to ruin what I've planted within you. Will you catch them and remove them for me? We will do it together." Song of Solomon 2:15 TPT
As humans, we have a limited and often selfish approach to relationships. Our best intentions and efforts fail miserably to our natural inclination to look for another human to "complete" us.
The truth is that there is only one that can complete us.
God, our Creator, knew us before we were ever conceived.
No one is an accident or a mistake. Our heavenly Father has incredible plans for us beyond our wildest imagination.
But we have a part to play.
Each of us must humble ourselves before Him and examine the "foxes" in the gardens of our lives that hinder God's purpose.
What do we need to eliminate that is a needless distraction from time with our Holy God?
What steps must we take to see a genuine, permanent life change?
"Can you not discern this new day of destiny breaking forth around you?
The early signs of my purposes and plans are bursting forth. The budding vines of new life are now blooming everywhere.
The fragrance of their flowers whispers, "There is change in the air."
Arise, my Love, my beautiful companion, and run with me to the higher place. For now is the time to arise and come away with me.
For you are my dove, hidden in the split-open rock. It was I who took you and hid you up high in the secret stairway of the sky.
Let me see your radiant face and hear your sweet voice. How beautiful your eyes of worship and lovely your voice in prayer."
Song of Solomon 2:13-15 TPT
Far beyond our carnal existence is a love of a Savior. The Bible tells us that He is our bridegroom, and we, as the Church, are His bride.
The most incredible love story ever told is found within the context of His Word.
The Love of your life is waiting patiently at the door of your heart.
Will you open that door?
The winter will surely pass, and the beauty of spring will echo God's promise of a new beginning.
Dig deep, press in, and seek His presence like never before.
Firmly grounded in God, we can withstand any attack that the enemy may throw our way.
Sing a song of triumph today, my friends; the Lover of your soul is right beside you.