It was one of those days when the battle over my heart and mind was intense. Despite my resolve, I took the bait and began to wallow. 

The battle grew more intense in the wallowing, and while cumbersome, it somehow felt inviting. I was justified in my inner complaints. My thoughts and emotions were completely valid, and yet there was this nagging feeling that I had forgotten something.

That night, like so many others, I was awakened by something. A dream, uncomfortable room temperature, a restless dog. In the struggle to return to rest, I began to pray. To repent for taking the bait, for wallowing in it, and for allowing myself to do so. That’s when I heard, in my spirit, Mark 6:31. 

Fumbling in the dark, I located a pencil and paper, jotted down the scripture reference, and drifted back to sleep. 

At the sound of my alarm, I awoke, excited to see what my Beloved would say to me.

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” Mark 6:31a

An invitation from my Beloved.

As I met with Him in the secret place, He applied a healing balm to my aching soul and wrapped me in His warm embrace. Reminding me that in the throes of my day, in my weariness, in my disdain, and in my wandering, He was there. He was there all along, beckoning me to come to Him. To rest in Him. Oh, how I love Him!

I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine. Song of Solomon 6:3

One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 25:14.

There’s a private place reserved for the devoted lovers of Yahweh, where they sit near Him and receive the revelation-secrets of His promises. Psalm 25:14

There’s a secret place, one reserved for me and my Beloved, where He reveals the mysteries of His heart and uncovers the hidden places in mine. Where His promises are a healing balm to my soul. 

In Song of Solomon 1:2, we see the words “let Him.” 

Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth – for your love is more delightful than wine. Song of Solomon 1:2

The words “let Him kiss me” in this verse are a Hebrew phrase meaning to kiss and to equip with weapons. The kiss of His mouth is the Word of God (the Sword of the Spirit) and His promises to us. When we “let Him,” we’re choosing to allow the Word of God to penetrate our souls, transform us, and equip us for the trials of life. A yielded heart is the only requirement for receiving the revelation kisses from our Beloved.

Each day, we are invited to come away with our Beloved to a quiet place to rest in Him. May our wandering hearts always find their way back home.