In this ongoing series, we will be looking closely at what lessons we can learn from Solomon about how to have the kind of relationship with God that He desires for us to have. I urge you to take the time to meditate upon each Truth presented; to ask God to make each lesson REAL to you and to take quiet time to prayerfully ponder each point and what it means to YOU! To visit the archive of past LESSONS ON RELATIONSHIP FROM SOLOMON, please see
www.sermonillustrator.org/minisermons/folder_3/lessons_on_relationship_from_solomon
Lessons on Relationships From Solomon, Lesson 9
Unit 1: GOD's Part in the Relationship;
Part 3: God Cares for our Intimate Thoughts and Feelings
Secret Garden
In the first two parts of this ongoing series, we have seen how special we are in God's eyes and how much He loves us and loves to be with us. But there's more! He also cares deeply about our innermost thoughts and feelings! Don't believe it? Go with me to Song of Solomon 4:12:
"Dear lover and friend, you're a secret garden . . ." (Song 4:12a from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)
I am a "secret garden". Hum! Well, I have to admit that I often feel a bit this way. I mean, some days it seems like no one understands me very well, like no matter how hard I try to express my feelings! In fact, sometimes it seems like I am so "secret" that no one even listens to me, and sometimes I wonder if they even know I'm there!
Now, most of this is my own fault. I'm not "pushy", and if I were more assertive, I know things would be different. But this just isn't me! Besides, the folks at my house are all of the intellectual type. They have their heads in the clouds most of the time, and whatever "thought" they are contemplating takes over all of their consciousness. In all reality, everything else ceases to exist. Nothing wrong with this. But I have to admit that in my weaker moments, I'm left feeling like nobody wants to listen to what I have to say, like maybe I don't even exist!
Have you ever felt this way, friend? If so, then I have GOOD news for you! There IS Someone who ALWAYS wants to listen. It's God. YOU are His "secret garden". He delights in each and every one of you innermost, most intimate thoughts! You tell each other things that aren't to be shared with others, and He ALWAYS listens to what you have to say! And with this Truth in hand, it suddenly doesn't matter if no one else listens. It's enough for the two of you to have this "secret place"!
Enough to ponder for today. Please DO ponder this though, my friends. Ponder the truth that there is ALWAYS someone who cares about your most private thoughts and feelings. There is One who ALWAYS shares your most secret concerns. He sees you as His "secret garden", a place where intimate thoughts and ideas can be aired, just between the two of you!
Please join us next Saturday for Lessons on Relationships From Solomon, Lesson 10, where we'll take a look at the kinds of gifts God pours out on those who seek a relationship with Him!
In His love,
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, moderator, The Nugget, Scriptural Nuggets (www.sermonillustrator.org/minisermons
), Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org
.