I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me. Song of Songs 7:10
Lord Jesus, this one verse from the Song of Songs taps into our deep longings for intimacy, passion, and delight. Though we struggle to believe it—even as believers, this is the way you love us in the Gospel. Indeed, you are the ultimate “Beloved” and lover in the whole Bible.
Human romance is a wonderful hint and expression of this great love—but never meant to be its substitute. Pornography is its counterfeit and corruption. This isn’t the Gospel I grew up with, but this is the Gospel revealed in the Scriptures.
We are the Bride upon whom your affection is fixed, for whom you gave your life, to whom you’re returning with the joy of an excited Bridegroom. Jesus, make this real to us—more real than anything else.
Forgive us for thinking any human can satisfy the longings you put in us for yourself. Forgive us for being willing to settle for substitutes and counterfeits. Forgive us for under-believing the Gospel, over-believing our fears and lust, and never believing you could love us like this.
Dazzle, delight, and deliver us afresh. Only your love is better than life, Jesus. Only your love is enough. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.