Return to Him

Protecting the Lord's gift of peace

“Return, return, O maid of Shulam!”  Song of Songs 7:1

Praying this verse from The Song of Songs has been a key to maintaining my inner calm despite the unrest around and within me. When I have drifted away from the steadfast secure presence of Christ dwelling within me, I can imagine Him gently yet firmly calling to me through the din of my anxious thoughts, “Return, return, O maid of Shulam!” I am reminded to pause, breathe deeply, and shift my focus, my thoughts, and my heart back to Him, the Bridegroom of the Song of Songs and of my soul.

As the bride of Christ, I am betrothed to Him Who is Peace; I am the “maid of Peace.” His peace that passes all understanding is His gift to me, “My peace I give you…”.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

And so when I feel myself becoming anxious and overwhelmed by the work and worries of life, by repeating slowly and prayerfully this Scripture, I choose to return interiorly to the One Who is my peace, the One Who is “my rock and my salvation”.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken. Psalm 62:2

Try it now... pause, breathe in His Presence… deeply and deliberately… and say aloud, “Return, return O Maid of Shulman.” Exhale your tension into His Hands and inhaling again let His peace fill you from head to toe. Then straighten your crown, bride of peace, and return to the tasks at hand... knowing Jesus is with you always, closer than the air you breathe.

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15