How can we apply the longing in Song of Solomon 2:5 to marriage? Setting the Scene of Songs 2:5 “ Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.” (Songs 2:5) The bride’s voice trembles with desire. She is not asking for mere snacks; she is seeking strength to keep delighting in her husband. The language is earthy, literal, and intentionally sensual—God-breathed words that celebrate covenant intimacy. What the Longing Sounds Like • “Sustain me” – love is exhilarating yet draining; it needs intentional replenishment. • “Raisins… apples” – symbols of sweetness, nourishment, and fertility in the ancient world. • “Faint with love” – wholehearted passion that leaves her weak-kneed, eager for his embrace (cf. Proverbs 5:18-19). Why This Longing Matters in Marriage Today 1. Longing acknowledges dependence: spouses are God’s chosen means to meet legitimate emotional and physical needs (Genesis 2:24). 2. Longing invites pursuit: the marriage covenant is a continuing romance, not a one-time ceremony (Songs 1:4). 3. Longing mirrors Christ’s devotion: marital desire pictures the Savior’s self-giving love for His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:25-32). Practical Ways to Nurture This Kind of Longing • Feed each other emotionally – Daily check-ins: “How is your heart today?” – Speak encouragement; praise specific character and accomplishments (Proverbs 16:24). • Feed each other physically – Regular, unhurried intimacy that honors 1 Corinthians 7:3-5. – Small touches—hand on the shoulder, unexpected hug—prime the heart for deeper closeness. • Feed each other spiritually – Pray together; share Scripture discoveries. – Worship side by side; shared awe of God stitches hearts tighter. • Create shared appetites – Plan dates around favorite foods or activities; rehearse the “raisins and apples” idea by delighting in what refreshes both of you. – Surprise gestures: a note in a lunchbox, favorite coffee waiting in the car cup holder. • Guard time – Schedule tech-free evenings. – Protect the bedroom as a haven, not an office or media room. Guardrails That Keep Longing Pure • Exclusivity: “Drink water from your own cistern” (Proverbs 5:15). • Transparency: no secret messages, hidden accounts, or flirtations. • Modesty of eyes and mind: “I have made a covenant with my eyes” (Job 31:1). • Covenant awareness: remember vows during conflict; unity is more valuable than being right. When Longing Feels One-sided • Communicate gently—“Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). • Seek help early—pastoral or biblical counseling can reset expectations. • Pray for soft hearts—God can warm cooled affections (Malachi 4:6). • Practice patient, Christ-like love even while waiting (1 Peter 3:1-2). A Final Encouragement The bride’s plea for raisins and apples is God’s invitation to every husband and wife: keep feeding the flame. When you intentionally nourish each other, the covenant becomes a living picture of steadfast, joyful love—one that points beyond itself to the ultimate Bridegroom who never lets His beloved grow faint. |
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