This chapter has a few themes, one of which is reconciliation, another is faithfulness in relationship.
“My beloved has gone down to his garden to the beds of spices, to graze in the gardens and to gather lilies. I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies.” (v2-3)
In the previous chapter the bride was somewhat estranged from her groom, separated by some unclarified feeling or event (she hesitated to invite him into their home). Now, the bride seems to remember her groom, understand him, and reassure herself of his faithfulness. She realizes that when he’s away from her he’s working (tending his livestock and garden) and still faithful to her (gathering lilies as a sign of his love for her).
When we feel separated from God / Jesus (because we’ve pushed Him away or run away), we can rest assured that He still loves us and He remains faithful. When heightened emotional blindness clears, the dust settles, and we start thinking clearly, our eyes are opened (we gain understanding) and we can see that God is just as steadfast toward us today, as He has been since before we were even born.
I suggest that when we begin feeling distant from God, we can trust that He is still there, remaining faithful to us, waiting for us to remember Him and His love for us. He has not turned away from us, He’s simply honoring our wishes (giving us space).
Father God, our Faithful and Steadfast Lord, You remain nearby when we push You away. Thank you for honoring and loving us even when we distance ourselves. Thank you for waiting for us, gently reminding us of who You are and how much You desire to be in relationship. Please help us to return quickly when we flee, and restore our trust in You if it waivers. Father we love You, even though we sometimes forget. Please keep us close, and embrace us as we embrace You. We seek to honor, glorify, praise and obey You, each and every moment of each and every day, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training