Daily Deprogramming

These words from the Song of Solomon left a lasting imprint upon my heart at the time when the Lord was wooing me to Himself almost 30 years ago. I believe they are a picture of His love for His church, His bride:

“Set me as a seal upon thy heart, as a seal upon thine arm;  for love is strong as death;  jealousy is cruel as the grave the coals thereof are coals of fire, which has a most vehement (intense, ardent, impassioned)flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it;  If a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would be uttery contemned.” (despised or scorned) Song of Solomon 8:6-7

I love the margin notes in my KJV Bible regarding the above verses:  “Love is as strong as death;  it cannot be killed by time or disaster;  and it cannot be bought for any price, because it is freely given.  Love is priceless, and even the richest king cannot buy it. ”

When I was first saved, there was a fire in my heart for Christ.  I knew finally that He was for real. I knew there was hope to see my long dead mother again as well as my eight year old daughter who had died tragically. I could sense His presence, with a closeness that is unexplained ,and a fire burned within me to know Him, to serve Him and to be with Him in Heaven one day.

For twenty years I served diligently; I “saw the need and responded.”  For twenty years I got  more and more off course.  I followed what I thought was truth, but it turned out to be a dead end , and following after  the wind.   The embers of the fire, though dimmed,  never went out in my soul and it took the stiff wind of disaster  and sorrow to change my course, so the Holy Spirit could blow upon the flames and get them burning bright and hot again.  “A dimmed wick He will not extinguish.” Isa 42:43   David said “He restoreth my soul” and He has restored the brightness , and the heart  dedication as the flame burns hotter and stronger than ever.  He is ever Faithful and True to His own.  Praise His Holy Name! 

I agree with Ardith Keef today that you don’t “need to feel divine energy.” or “physical energy.” But you do need to be on the right course and heading in the right direction.   Otherwise the  Holy Spirit’s fire is  quenched to a tiny flicker, you work and work and you wonder what is wrong?  If you are struggling to serve Him and feel like your fire is almost out, perhaps “your priority is your own agenda” or someone elses,  ”and not His.”