“… I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go …”

The book of Song of Solomon describes the love between a man and woman. In the verses that precede this one, the woman is seeking her beloved. Her search started at night, and led her to go into the city on her own. So great was her love for her beloved that personal safety did not deter her. We are told that she searched in the streets and the broad ways. It is also told that, “The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?” In her search, she requested aid from the city guards. But, they were unable to help her in her search. But, she finally found her beloved. And, as it says above, she held him and would not let him go.

     God encourages His people to search for Him, saying in Jeremiah 29:13, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” This sounds like the woman described above. Searching, even at the possible risk of life. We are also encouraged to look to Jesus in our lives. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 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. This equates to the woman in Song of Solomon.

But, we may turn our ways in directions that are not toward Him. The woman in the Song of Solomon searched in the broad ways and in the streets of the city. Jesus taught that the broad way leads to destruction. It is the way that many people take. It is the world’s way. It is appealing and attractive. But Jesus is not there. Neither did the searching woman find her beloved there. Hebrews 13:13, 14 tells us, “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Jesus cannot be found in the streets of the city either. He is found outside the gates, away from the world’s influence. That is where we can find Him.

As noted before, the book of Song of Solomon is about the love between a man and a woman. Ephesians 5:32 teaches us that marriage represents the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. Jesus Christ is the one whom our souls love. We must be taken up with Him, and trust Him and lean on Him in everything that comes our way. The Westminster Catechism includes 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 search that the woman made parallels this question and answer. Her great desire was for her beloved, and to be with him forever.

Speaking of Jesus, 1 Peter 1:8, 9 reminds us, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” Having found her beloved, the woman in the Song of Solomon held him, and would not let him go. So it should be with us. Jesus is altogether lovely. He is more precious than gold. And, He is worthy of our full affection and attention. We are to take Him with us into our daily responsibilities. He is God. His guidance and wisdom in every matter is available and 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! Avoid the ways of the world. Search for Him with all your heart! Do not let Him go!

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain (Helen H. Lemmel)