{ Day 85 }

On my bed night after night I sought him whom my soul loves; I sought him but did not find him. I must arise now and go about the city; in the streets and in the squares I must seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him but did not find him. The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me, and I said, “Have you seen him whom my soul loves?” —Song of Solomon 3:1-3, NAS

Sometimes the Lord gets our attention in discipling us by gently withdrawing His presence for a season. That is the way He caused the maiden to repent for refusing Him. When the Lord corrects His sincere, yet immature, disciples, He is not angry with us. He still loves and enjoys us in our immaturity; however, He loves us too much to let us stay there. Although we do not always understand it, He is bringing us forth to maturity. He knows what awaits us—the glory of being His bride and the spiritual treasures that come with being mature coheirs of the glorious Son of God.

{ PRAYER STARTER }

In the seasons of the night, dear God, when Your presence seems far removed from my life, teach me to look forward to the morning when the light of Your love bursts into view and brings me into a new level of relationship with You.

Our fear and weakness do not anger the Lord.