Drink Devotional Method: Longing for His Presence (Song of Solomon 5)

Longing for His Presence

Today, we turn to Song of Solomon chapter 5, a poetic and powerful portrayal of longing, intimacy, and delayed response in our walk with the Lord. Let us read the full chapter with reverence and hearts ready to receive what God wants to show us.

D – Devotional Reading

Song of Solomon 5 (King James Version)

1 I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

2 I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.

3 I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?

4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.

5 I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.

6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.

7 The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.

8 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.

9 What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?

10 My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.

11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.

12 His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.

13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.

15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

16 His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

R – Reflection

This chapter presents the heartfelt cry of the bride as she yearns for the presence of her beloved. She hears him knocking, but hesitates. When she finally opens the door, he is gone. That moment of delay leads to heartbreak and pursuit. I can relate to this picture—how often do I hesitate when the Lord calls? How often do I delay obedience, only to feel the sting of distance afterward?

Yet even in the absence, the bride describes her beloved with rich affection and devotion. This reminds me that even when I feel distant from the Lord, my love must remain steadfast. Longing for His presence is not just an emotional state—it is the posture of a soul that truly treasures Him. When He seems silent or withdrawn, do I chase after Him, or drift further away? The ache I feel when He seems far is proof that my heart belongs to Him.

I – Instruction

When the Lord calls, respond without delay. Delayed obedience can lead to moments of spiritual dryness or distance. Yet even then, God desires us to seek Him diligently. Scripture teaches us to “seek the Lord while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6) and to treasure His presence as our highest joy. A heart that is constantly longing for His presence will not settle for silence or separation but will pursue Him with renewed urgency and love.

N – Now Live It

Today, I commit to tuning my heart to the voice of the Lord and responding promptly when He stirs me—whether through His Word, in prayer, or by prompting me to act. If I have ignored or delayed His call, I will confess it and return with a longing heart. Let every hesitation be replaced with pursuit, and every delay with delight in His presence. A life marked by longing for His presence is one that stays ready, responsive, and rooted in love for Christ.

K – Kneel in Prayer

Heavenly Father, Forgive me for the times I hesitated when You called. Restore my sensitivity to Your voice. Stir my heart to run to You with no delay. When I feel distant, help me not to grow cold, but to keep longing for Your presence with a deeper hunger. May I always speak of You as the bride did—"altogether lovely"—because You are my Beloved and my Friend. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You may also read our Song of Solomon 4 Devotional.

🌿 About the DRINK Devotional Method

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ.

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (preferably at least 1 chapter).

• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.

• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown to you to day.

• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord Jesus Christ for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you're just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

You may also read my Daily Devotions here.

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