Day 334 - Song of Solomon 6:4 - 8 & Psalm 148

 Julie

I am struggling with what to write today. There seemed to be some sexual innuendos in this one, but I really didn't understand the end. 

Praise the Lord!!

 

Michelle

Agreed.  This one has my head spinning a bit.  There are parts that sound again like sexual invitation, others like describing every part of each other but like they are longing for the other, and then when they talk about the little sister being a wall, that lost me there.  The end seems to be the two of them wanting to be with each other.

This is a psalm that is just praising the Lord through it all. 

Day 333 - Song of Solomon 5:2 - 6:3 & Psalm 147

 Julie

There seems to be a lot of questions about whether these were real situations or part of a dream. What sparked that explanation was the part about how she was beaten. I am not sure if this is a metaphor for something, but there doesn't seem to be a clear understanding of how to interpret a lot of what is going on here. Other than to say that they are talking clearly about their love for each other. 

"Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure." This is what stood out to me today aside from the need to praise the Lord for all that he does. I believe that they theme of this one is that he heals the brokenhearted, but in that we are reminded of all that he has done and that we should be praising him. 

 

Michelle

I agree.  The beginning had me thinking again about sexual relations but then she went out and was beaten while she looked for her beloved.  Then she goes on to basically tell her friends all about him, describing every feature but they are questioning why he is better than others.  

It does sound like the writer is telling us all the things God does for us and we should praise him for it all. 

Day 332 - Song of Songs 4 - 5:1 & Psalm146

 Michelle

This sounds like the man is telling of all the things he finds beautiful about the woman he loves, describing every feature.  This in turn has her telling him to come to her and enjoy her garden.  The devotional says this is like the beginning of a wedding when a man and woman see each other on opposite sides of the aisle.  It sounded more like an invitation to her bed to me, but I could see this as well as it talks about her veil and such.

This psalm sounds like one of praise, saying Praise the Lord, my soul, in the beginning.  It goes on to say not to put your trust in people as when their spirit departs, they return to the ground.  But put your trust in God and praise the Lord for all he does for you.

Julie

I like your explanation. I agree that is what I was getting from this too. Is it weird that there doesn't really seem to be a lot to say about these?

Praise the Lord O my soul, O my soul, worship his holy name. That is the verse of a song that popped into my head when I read that. 

Day 331 - Song of Solomon 2:8 - 3 & Psalm 145

 Julie

So I noticed this in yesterday's reading and found it interesting that it was said again, "...that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases." As this was said again, I am wondering the significance. Is it saying that we shouldn't jump into something quickly, or that we should actually wait until there is love? 

I marked these two verses the last time because they stood out to me, "The Lord is gracious and merciful slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all and his mercy is over all that he has made," and "The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down." The Lord is merciful and will forgive of us if we ask for forgiveness and he holds us up during our times of need if we bow down and ask for his help. 

 

Michelle

It sounds to me like it is saying exactly that.  No need to go searching, Love will come when it is time and we should wait and not jump so quickly.  It also seems that the woman is speaking highly of the love for her man.  They both are, which alot of people are not good at.  We tend to hang on to the difficulties in relationships.  

The psalm seems to be telling of all the things that God does for us.  That he is righteous and faithful to those that worship and praise him.  That he watches over us and that we should speak in praise to God always.

 

Day 330- Song of Solomon 1 - 2:7 & Psalm 144

 Julie

This does seem to be a man and woman expressing their love for each other. I honestly am not sure what else to say about this today. 

The Lord is our rock, he is there when we are fighting battles and protects us from the struggles that we face. He rescues us during trying times. We should praise him for all he does. We are blessed by God. 

 

Michelle

The preface to this book says that it is celebrating the gift of marital love.  That it cautions readers not to awaken love too early, but for the husband and wife, much joy is found in their private, tender love.  It says not only did God create marriage but he rejoices in married love and wants his people to rejoice in it too.

This section does seem to be a man and woman expressing their love for each other.  I don't understand some of the references, but that is the gist of it. 

Your interpretation of this psalm is accurate to my understanding.  He is with us always and we should praise him so that we will be blessed. 

Day 329 - Psalm 143

 Julie

This psalm is a beautiful prayer telling God how much we need him and thanking him for being there and taking care of us. This is one of those psalms that would be good to use to build prayer time around as it covers everything that we desire and are thankful for.

 

Michelle

This is another prayer for mercy and guidance.   

Day 328 - Psalm 142

 Julie

David prays to the Lord asking for refuge and praises him because he is a faithful God that takes care of him in his struggles.

 

Michelle

This sounds like another prayer but for mercy this time.  His spirit is growing faint and weak and he is asking for God to watch over him and give him strength.