Song of Solomon 1:7

These words express the believer's desire for Christ and his longing for present communion with him. Where doest thou feed thy flock? In your house? I will go, if I may find you there. In private prayer? Then I will pray without ceasing. In the Word? Then I will read it diligently.

In your ordinances? Then I will walk in them with all my heart. Tell me where you feed, for wherever you stand as the Shepherd, there I will lie down as a sheep; for no one but yourself can supply my need. I cannot be satisfied to be apart from you.

My soul hungers and thirsts for the refreshment of your presence. Where dost thou make thy flock to rest at noon? For whether at dawn or at noon, my only rest must be where you are and your beloved flock. My soul’s rest must be a grace-given rest and can only be found in you.

Where is the shadow of that rock? Why should I not repose beneath it? Why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? You have companions—why should I not be one? Satan tells me I am unworthy; but I always was unworthy, and yet you have long loved me; and therefore my unworthiness cannot be a bar to my having fellowship with you now.

It is true I am weak in faith and prone to fall, but my very feebleness is the reason why I should always be where you feed your flock, that I may be strengthened and preserved in safety beside the still waters. Why should I turn aside? There is no reason why I should, but there are a thousand reasons why I should not, for Jesus beckons me to come.

If he withdrew himself a little, it is only to make me prize his presence more. Now that I am grieved and distressed at being away from him, he will lead me yet again to that sheltered nook where the lambs of his fold are sheltered from the burning sun.