Worth the Wait

Read

Song of Solomon 8:6-7, “…Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.”

Think

The two of you lock eyes from across the room, and a match is struck; it’s perfect chemistry that ignites the flames of passion. As time passes, your love for this person rages like uncontrollable floodwaters — you just can’t get enough of that girl or guy you’re so attracted to…

You’re lovestruck! Have you ever felt so enamored, so head over heels, so goo-goo-eyed? If so, then you know it’s time to snap back to reality for a moment and consider the imagery of wildfires and floodwaters. These two elements of nature, when in control, help sustain life. But when they go beyond their intended boundaries, they wreak havoc and lead to death and destruction. Likewise, when the God-given gift of sex goes haywire from desire amid lust and passion, it can leave an aftermath of devastation.

In God’s vast wisdom, He designed the most intimate experiences between a man and woman to be shared within the context of marriage. This amazing gift too often goes far beyond God’s protective guardrails and guidelines in today’s culture, leaving a trail of collateral damage such as guilt, poor self-esteem, broken relationships, and dire consequences. Conversely, that same passion within the marriage bed is a life-sustaining act of worship, and that’s precisely what today’s reading reveals!

The Song of Solomon is a beautiful depiction of the God-given gift of marital love and intimacy. Within its chapters, we read about the courtship and blossoming relationship between a man and woman. Then, with vivid word pictures, the author colorfully portrays the passion and oneness that creates healthy marriages full of vitality and growth — all part of God’s masterful design!

Therefore, if you aren’t married, stick to God’s plan! His way is always best, blessed, and well worth the wait! If you are married, let the fires blaze and waters flow as you celebrate the love you share with your spouse and protect this precious gift!

Act

Resolve today, if unmarried, to date God’s way and practice sexual purity. If married, do or say something to affirm your love and desire for your spouse.

Pray

Heavenly Father, Help me respect and honor this precious gift of marital intimacy. I know that Your way is always best, and I seek to live within Your protective boundaries. In Jesus’ name, Amen.