Song of Solomon 4

When I lived in England, one of my favorite places to visit was Sylvia’s Garden—an out-of-the-way place with old stone benches, blooming flowers and bushes, a man-made pool, and lots of serenity. There was not a more peaceful, calming place in all the world. I went there a lot to think and pray.

And that’s why I loved how Solomon described his woman in this chapter: “Dear lover and friend, you’re a secret garden, a private and pure fountain. Body and soul, you are a paradise, a whole orchard of succulent fruits—ripe apricots and peaches, oranges and pears; nut trees and cinnamon, and all scented woods; mint and lavender, and all herbs aromatic; a garden fountain, sparkling and splashing, fed by spring waters from the Lebanon mountains.” (vs 12-15)

This is the way true love was created to be and should be. Lovers should be safe and comfortable places for each other. They should be like private gardens, reserving the best parts of themselves for each other, not allowing anyone else to share in their secret thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Yes, this picture of love is of two people who are totally committed to each other, giving themselves wholeheartedly to one another.

This is also the kind of experience God offers us in a relationship. He is a safe and comfortable place where we can find rest and restoration. Nobody knows us like God does, and—even though God has created us to experience love in human relationships—nobody loves us like He does. When we seek God, we will find a refuge where we can let down our guard and just be ourselves, all while discovering the never-ending paradise of His presence.

To be with God is to be at peace. He is a safe and comfortable place, a secret garden, a private and pure fountain.