Uninterrupted Renewal

This morning I was thinking of the little things that steal our joy when it is supposed to be a time of joy.

"HER BROTHERS
Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.

THE SHULAMITE WOMAN
My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes among the lilies." - Song of Songs 2:15-16 ESV

The Song of Solomon is an amazing unique book. It is all about the marital union But it is also about our relationship with God.

Here is a very broad progression of the book
1:1 - 3:5 Falling in Love
3:6 - 5:1 The Wedding and Marriage
5:2 - 7:10 The Struggles of Love
7:11f Growing in Love

This love has cycles. We love but then our love is renewed again and again as it deepens. The brothers represent the spectators to the intimacy process but they also speak of our 'detached self'...  the part of us that views and critiques the situation with detachment.

The details of life (the little foxes) can interrupt our love affair with God if we get distracted by them. The brothers are saying, 'Hey, I know you have a boyfriend but we have vines to worry about here. Get your head out of the clouds. We have issues to deal with now in this season of life.'

The Shulamite is focused on the character of her lover and is occupied with possessing him and the fact that he wants to possess her.

This season can be a season filled with 'little foxes that spoil the vines' but it is meant to be a season of renewed love.

If our focus is right then doubts and details don't have to ruin our love affair with God. Jesus was born in a manger 2,000 years ago. He came and died on a cross because He wanted to possess us and woo us in a permanent union.

Let's draw near to where God Is. He is with His flock among the lilies. He is walking with His disciples near the sea of Galilee teaching and laughing and healing people where ever He goes.

God, Some of us need a time of renewal. We need a time of love and the renewal of love. Give us eyes to see in the midst of the details of life. We worship You. Thank You. We are so blessed that you want us. Teach us to put our inner critic in its place as we command our souls to rejoice in the Lord.

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