A Shared Journey
I’m sure we are more alike than we are different. Unique in our stories, yes—but in the ways we struggle and question, we share more than we realize. Like me, perhaps you’ve made things more difficult than they need to be.
Today we begin a new journey through the Word, opening the pages of the Song of Solomon and reading chapters 1–4. After finishing the reading, I felt the tug to go deep—dig into commentaries, seek historical context, ask my AI companion questions, all the things I do daily to prepare for these devotionals. But this time, I stopped myself.
The message that surfaced was too pure, too simple—just like the Gospel itself. God doesn’t want following Him to be reserved for theological detectives. His truth is for all.
A Love That Completes
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth — for your love is more delightful than wine.” (Song of Sol. 1:2 NIV)
Before I became a Christian, I often felt incomplete. I had a loving family and a decent life, yet something gnawed at the edges of my contentment. I don’t love phrases like “a God-shaped hole,” but I was restless until I encountered the love of God.
Now, even through life’s trials, I never doubt His presence. I know He holds me close. Every sacrifice I made—the drugs, the alcohol, the women, my pursuit of fame—turned out to be the very futility Solomon bemoaned in Ecclesiastes. A love that surpasses has replaced every pleasure I once chased.
The Beauty of Belonging
“Your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the young women love you!” (Song of Sol. 1:3 NIV)
Once a scoffer, I now understand why believers delight in Him. Whether young women or old men—anyone who encounters Jesus becomes His beloved. Not just attendants at the wedding; we are His bride.
“Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.” (Song of Sol. 1:4 NIV)
These days, I begin my mornings with that prayer: “Lord, Your will, not mine.” Whatever happens is alright—so long as I’m in Your will. There’s no other place I’d rather be.
Sunday and the Song
“We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine.” (Song of Sol. 1:4 NIV)
Therefore, we push ourselves out of bed on Sunday mornings. Not just out of routine—but out of gratitude. We praise Him because His love deserves it.
Rose of Sharon?
Verse 2:1 reads:
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.”
Growing up, I saw the title “Rose of Sharon” attributed to Jesus on church posters and in songs. Tradition has embraced it, but biblical context reveals the bride in Song of Solomon—not the bridegroom speaks this title. In this metaphor, we are the rose. We are the fragrant lilies in the valley. Jesus compares His people—the Church—to the most beautiful blossoms in the region.
Ellicott suggests the flower may refer to the Narcissus.¹
I know something about those. Before my hitchhiking adventure, I worked as a gardener for a retirement community. I grew flowers from seed, transplanted them across the landscape, and watched joy bloom in the faces of the tenants who appreciated every petal. Narcissus is among the most fragrant—no wonder they’re mentioned.
Benson points to roses or lilies, beloved for their value and beauty.² Matthew Henry adds insight: the Eastern lily is tall and noble but fragile. “The church is weak in herself,” he writes, “yet strong in Him who supports her.” ³ We bloom among thorns, and Christ uproots us from pain and transplants us into paradise.
Reflecting His Beauty
This life is hard, but it’s temporary. One day, those who love the Lord will dwell with Him in paradise. Until then, we reflect His beauty—not by pretending we’re flawless, but by thriving in His grace.
We become like the apple tree in the forest—distinct, fruitful, a source of shelter and sweetness.
“Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men.” (Song of Sol. 2:3 NIV)
Let’s make sure the world sees in us something different—something fragrant, pure, and rooted in love. Let’s live as those known and cherished. Pointing others toward our Lord.
Tomorrow, we will read Song of Solomon 5-8.
Citations (Chicago Style)
Charles John Ellicott, Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers, accessed July 14, 2025, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/song_of_solomon/2-1.htm..
Joseph Benson, Benson Commentary, accessed July 14, 2025, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/benson/song_of_solomon/2-1.htm..
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible: Volume III: Job to Song of Solomon. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1991.