In last week’s lesson, focusing on Song 5:2-6a, we discovered the truth that one reason God sometimes feels so far away is that He tried to reach out to us, but we didn’t respond. When God calls, we need to respond in HIS time! If we don’t, the moment may pass us by. But how do we feel when we go looking for God and He’s not there? Song of Solomon 5:6b has the answer:
“And I died inside – oh, I felt so bad! I ran out looking for him But he was nowhere to be found. I called into the darkness – but no answer.” (Song 5:6b, THE MESSAGE)
Friends, we seek God in OUR time, not His, and when we don’t sense His presence, we are left feeling empty, alone, like maybe He wasn’t ever there in the first place! And we open ourselves up to be victims of temptation:
“The night watchmen found me as they patrolled the streets of the city. They slapped and beat and bruised me, ripping off my clothes . . .” (Song 5:7, THE MESSAGE)
But, but, how can this be? How can God allow us to go through such terrible circumstances? How can a loving God sit back and watch? Where is He when we need Him, anyway? Maybe He was never there at all!!!
I’ve asked myself this many times, friends, as I’m sure all of you have as well. But let’s review the story: God wasn’t there because when He came knocking, WE were too busy, too bothered, too wrapped up in emotion or circumstance to respond! When God comes knocking and we don’t respond to Him, we are opening up the door for evil!
So what do we do? Do we give up? Sadly, some do. Others keep searching, and that’s exactly what this story tells us to do when we get caught up in the above circumstances: “I beg you, sisters in Jerusalem – if you find my lover, Please tell him I want him, that I’m heartsick with love for him.” (Song 5:8 THE MESSAGE)
Enough to ponder for one day. And DO ponder it, friend. Ponder the truth that when God seems far away, even when troubles come to us in our searching for Him, even when we cry out, “Where are You God, why aren’t You here to protect me!” He’s already been there, calling out to us, but WE were the ones too busy to answer! So what do we do? We keep searching! We will see in the next lesson that it’s only in the searching that the REAL answers are revealed. Please join us next Saturday for Lessons in Relationships, Part 26!
In His love,
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, moderator, The Nugget, Scriptural Nuggets ( www.scripturalnuggets.org), Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org .
(To access the entire “Lessons on Relationship From Solomon” mini-series, please click here.)