Song of Solomon 3:4

"... I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go ..."

In the Westminster Catechism is an oft quoted question with its answer, "What is the chief and highest end of man?", "Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever." The book of the Song of Solomon shows the heights of love. In this verse, and those that precede it, we see the woman seeking her intended. In the verses preceding this one her search starts at night, and leads her to go into the city on her own. So great is her love for him. Personal safety does not get in the way of her search. After a time of searching she finds him. And, as it says above, she held him and would not let him go.

The book of Ephesians teaches us that marriage represents the relationship between Christ and the church. Christ is the one whom our souls love, or at least He should be. We should be taken up with Him, looking for Him in every thing that comes our way. Leaning on Him in all things. We frequently turn our search in directions that are not where He is. The woman in Song of Solomon (it says) searched in the broad ways. But Christ taught that the broad way leads to destruction. The broad way is the way that many take. It can be characterized as the world's way. It is appealing and attractive. But He is not there. And neither did this woman find her intended there. In the book of Jeremiah God encourages His people to search for Him. He tells them that they will find Him when they search with all their heart. So we are similarly encouraged to turn our eyes upon Jesus. Look for Him. Seek out where He is. Prefer the people that are His. Search with undivided loyalty. Let not any worldly attraction take His place.

Having found Him, the woman in Song of Solomon held him, and would not let him go. So it should be with us. He is altogether lovely. And worthy of our full affection and attention. Which is not to say that we should sit in a room and ignore our responsibilities. But we are to take Him with us into those responsibilities. He is God. His guidance and wisdom in every matter is invaluable. He is available to help in time of need, and time of blessing. In this way we are on a good start toward glorifying God and fully enjoying Him forever!

HJK