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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I say with Solomon, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!” (Ps 72:18–19). Today in Your Word Today you shared with me the conclusion of Solomon’s song of love. As the song ends, the girl reflects on the days when she was younger and under the care of her brothers. They wondered how to help prepare her for marriage, and they decided that if she kept her virginity, standing firm like a wall against sexual temptation, they would praise her. But if she was promiscuous and given over to immorality, they would take steps to stop her (Song 8:8–9). In Song of Songs 8:10, she testifies that she kept her virginity and thus found favor in Solomon’s eyes. This teaches me the importance of moral purity before marriage. If I honor your boundaries for sex, I will enjoy the fruit of that commitment in a loving, giving relationship. You also told me two of Solomon’s psalms of praise. The first, Psalm 72, is Solomon’s personal prayer for your blessing and help to be a righteous king. The second, Psalm 127, focuses on three common preoccupations: building, security and raising a family. Solomon reminds me to trust you with these endeavors, for without your blessing, none of them will stand the test of time. Reflection “I adjure you that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases” (Song 8:4). People are often in a hurry to develop an intimate relationship based on the feelings of the moment, but feelings aren’t enough to support a lasting relationship. This verse warns me not to stir up the passion of love before I know with certainty the relationship is worthy of lifelong commitment. Request Father, if you do not build the house, those who build it labor in vain (Ps 127:1). I ask you to help me live in such a way that you can bless the work of my hands. Thanksgiving Thank you for the blessing of parenthood: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Ps 127:3). May my children always serve you! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Vainly through Night's Weary Hours” — Harriet Auber. Meditation Verse: Psalm 72:17. |