Title: Inciting Envy

Song of Solomon 5

Verse: Song of Solomon 5:1 (NIV) "I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk."

In the sacred garden of our hearts, God desires to dwell. Just as the Lover in Song of Solomon joyfully enters the garden of his beloved, God longs to enter the garden of our hearts. What does it mean for our hearts to be His garden?

Cultivating the Soil of Surrender: To be God's garden is to surrender the soil of our hearts to Him. Just as a gardener tends to the earth, we must allow God to cultivate our hearts with the richness of His Word and the water of His Spirit. Surrendering means letting go of the weeds of doubt, fear, and self-reliance, allowing His love to take root deeply within us.

Blooming in Love and Obedience: A garden blooms with an array of vibrant flowers, each unique and beautiful. Similarly, our hearts, when surrendered to God, blossom in love and obedience. Loving God with all our heart means obeying His commands, aligning our will with His, and allowing the fragrance of His love to emanate from our lives.

Nourished by His Presence: In the garden of our hearts, God desires to feast with us. As we spend time in His presence, partaking in the richness of His Word and the sweetness of communion with Him, our souls are nourished. It is in the quiet moments of prayer and reflection that the garden of our hearts becomes a place of intimacy with our Heavenly Lover.

Guarding Against Intruders: A well-tended garden requires protection from intruders who seek to harm its beauty. In the same way, we must guard our hearts against the influences that threaten to choke out the love of God. Guard against bitterness, unforgiveness, and worldly distractions, ensuring that the garden of your heart remains a sacred space for God's dwelling.

As we reflect on Song of Solomon 5, let us invite God into the garden of our hearts. Let us surrender, bloom in love and obedience, be nourished by His presence, and guard against anything that hinders our intimate relationship with Him. May our hearts be a fragrant offering, a beautiful garden where the love of God thrives abundantly.