WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Do you think you are lovable? How do you think God feels about you?

First steps
Here is a girl deeply in love, fantasising about her loved one (vs 2–4). He is clearly the local girls’ favourite (v 3), but, she asks, how can he love her? Verses 5 and 6 outline her problem. She is dark (not from racial colouring but from being weather-beaten); she looks like a labourer rather than a model. So, how can he love her?

The first steps in romantic relationships are often fraught with similar angst. Initial attraction can be quickly followed by an intense feeling of worthlessness and insecurity. It’s all too easy to hide, or to back away from the loved one, for fear of rejection. This is a risky moment; have we read the signs right?

No rejection
In this woman’s case, though, she bravely takes the initiative and goes out to look for her love, thanks to some helpful friends (v 8). When she does find him, what joy to discover that he does think she is lovely (vs 9–11), even if it’s not how we would say it today!

But when we approach God, asking, ‘Can he really love me?’ we need never fear rejection. He longs to pour out words of love and affirmation to us, and draw us into his embrace.

Respond: On the basis of this passage, imagine a dialogue between you and God. Hear him speaking lovingly to you. Then tell him how you feel about him. Listen prayerfully to his response.

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-11-26