You Are Mine

Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go till I had brought him to my mother's house, to the room of the one who conceived me. Song of Solomon 3:4, NIV.

The lover in Song of Solomon pushed to her feet with a sudden determination. She swung open the door and stepped out of her home. She left behind safety and protection to search for the one she loved. I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him. Her feet turned and twisted through darken alleyways and crowded streets. Her eyes searching every door, every avenue and even the rooftops.

Over twenty years, a young man drove to a nearby city. He recklessly searched with a deep ache in his soul to discover a father's love. All he ever wanted was to have his father see him - really look at him as a son - something he desired so strongly it drove him into dark places. Late at night, his mother would listen for the front door opening and her son walking into the next room where he fell asleep. She silently wept and prayed to God.

The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. "Have you seen the one my heart loves?"

Those who guarded the city and kept the gates were expected to notice people coming and going, but for some reason they didn't see him. Was he hidden or was she blinded by a rising panic that she'd never see him again? It was like Mary at the tomb mistaking Jesus for the gardener. Mary had demanded, "Tell me where you took His body!"

Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go till I had brought him to my mother's house, to the room of the one who conceived me.

One day in the dark, alone and ill the young man now in his forties found himself worn, sin sick and overcome had whispered, "I can't see You, Lord." Tears streamed down his face, "Please take me. Open my eyes to see You." The room was silent, the clock ticking in the other room. Then some days later the Lord said, "Go to the mailbox." The man went outside to the mailbox to find a letter from his father. Over 16 years of silence was broken. "I love you, son. And yes, I'll pray God will heal you." He felt like a child again and took the letter into his room. Pressing against his chest he laid on the bed and stared up at the ceiling overwhelmed with joy. After all these years, son and father were united by God the Father who was watching them all along.

Beloved, God will find you - he does not despise you for your weakness, your sin and failures. If you search for Him with all your heart, He will find you - and you will never let Him go.

I know because the once young and foolish man is me.