Leaning on the Beloved

Recently, a sweet woman handed me a picture of a girl getting a piggyback ride from Jesus.  A piggyback ride would evoke fun, rather the expression displayed in the art of the young girl, was one I knew too well.She looked exhausted and worn out.  Yet, relived and safe.

Song of Solomon 8:5 “who is this coming up out of the wilderness leaning on her Beloved?”

This stunning passage of scripture, sets the stage of what every heart may feel. Lost, forgotten, and full of fear. Often, however, we do not relinquish ourselves to our Beloved to shoulder the strain and carry our burdens. We must trust Him and lean into His great love.  

Lean in boldly

Her lack of confidence to endure the journey before her, or her self-doubt certainly would have deterred her from taking those first steps. Can you imagine her relief to see Him? She would have had to position her heart to move toward Him with even a hair of confidence. But He matched her boldness and shouldered her pain and hurt. She relinquished shame and molded into His form without hesitancy.

Boldly taking steps toward Jesus when it seems too hard, defies a coward’s attitude and displays your daring move. 

James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.”  

Lean in bravely

Timidity will only hold you back from moving out of the wilderness. The wilderness is bleak, barren, and hot. It connotes lack of growth. I can imagine that she may have felt scared and defeated. Being held upon the back of someone requires trust and bravery. Trust that the One carrying you is strong enough, and that you will not be dropped. Finding rest upon His back, she would have felt the movement of His body as he supported her. His breath would have been fuller with her added weight.  The most perfect picture of this heroic act, is that as she rested upon His back, she would have felt the rhythm of his heartbeat. The beating of His contagious love for her moved her attention to not look behind to the wilderness, but feel the love grow deep within for the One Who held her.

Don’t be afraid; be brave. I Peter 5:7, “Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.”  

Lean in joyfully

As she rested upon her Beloved, I can imagine that a smile crept across the face of the young maiden. There was confidence that the past was behind her, and there was positive movement forward.  This forward progression puts her heart and mind at ease. She is safe and secure. As He crested the hill out of the wilderness, joy flooded her heart.  His love permeated her every fiber. This power of love even urged her to request to her lover to bind her closely to Himself. (Song of Solomon 8:6, “set me as a seal upon your heart, set me as a seal upon your arm, for love is as strong as death.)

Where the wilderness once held despair for her, she was now held by love. What joy! Nehemiah 8:10, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

I think the Beloved never felt her weight. Rather, to Him, it was always a piggyback ride. He loves you just the same.

“Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning upon her Beloved?”  Well, dear one, it is you.