February 3, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Tell me . . . where Thou feedest, where Thou makest Thy flock to rest at noon." — Song of Songs 1:7 · KJV

These words express the believer's desire for Christ and his longing for present communion with Him. Where do You feed Your 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 will I lie down as a sheep; for none but You can supply my need. I cannot be content to be away 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 noon, my only rest must be where You are, among Your beloved flock. My soul's rest must be a grace-given rest, and can be found in You alone. Where is the shadow of that rock? Why should I not rest 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 so my unworthiness cannot bar me from fellowship with You now. It is true I am weak in faith and prone to fall, but my very feebleness is the reason I should always be where You feed Your flock, that I may be strengthened and kept safe beside the still waters. Why should I turn aside? There is no reason why I should, and a thousand reasons why I should not, for Jesus beckons me to come. If He has withdrawn Himself a little, it is only to make me prize His presence more.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 once again to that sheltered nook where the lambs of His fold rest safe from the burning sun.