Love in the Wilderness
OPENING PRAYER:
Father, open our hearts to understand the journey of love through life's wilderness. May we find strength in Your presence and guidance in Your Word.
"Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?"
Song of Songs 8:5 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Pastor Elliott shared how his parents' love endured through the wilderness of life's challenges, including the heart-wrenching loss of a child. This verse from Song of Songs paints a picture of a couple emerging from the wilderness, leaning on each other for support. It is a powerful metaphor for the trials that test our relationships and the strength we find in unity.
In the wilderness, love is refined and strengthened. It is not the absence of hardship that defines a strong relationship, but the ability to lean on one another and on God during those times. Rodney’s parents exemplified this by drawing closer together in the face of adversity, demonstrating that love for the long haul is forged in the crucible of life's challenges.
This passage invites us to reflect on our own wilderness experiences. How do we respond when faced with trials? Do we lean on our beloved and on God, or do we try to navigate the wilderness alone? Rodney’s story reminds us that we are not meant to walk this journey by ourselves. We are called to support one another, to be a source of strength and encouragement.
As you reflect on this, consider how you can be a source of support for someone in your life who may be going through their own wilderness. This week, consider reaching out to someone who is going through a difficult time and offer your presence, your prayers, and your love, knowing that together, you can emerge stronger on the other side.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will passionately serve others to show Christ’s love to the world.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for being our strength in the wilderness. Help us to lean on You and each other, finding hope and resilience in Your love. Amen.