In Song of Solomon Chapter 5, the Shulamite woman dreams of her beloved but struggles to find him. She describes his beauty and longing for their connection, while expressing feelings of vulnerability and desire. Their relationship reflects the complexities of love and yearning for intimacy.
Jesus is my beloved and my friend.
In Song of Solomon 5:16 (ESV), it is declared, “His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend.” This verse encapsulates the depth of affection the Shulamite woman feels for her beloved, which resonates profoundly with my relationship with Jesus. He is entirely desirable, and His voice is like sweet music to my ears. My love for Him transcends mere reverence; He is my God, my friend, and the lover of my soul.
Jesus refers to Himself as the vine, emphasising the necessity of staying connected to Him. John 15:4 (AMP) states, “Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you.” This vital connection enables us to bear fruit that attracts others to Him and allows us to experience unwavering joy, irrespective of our circumstances. A close, vibrant friendship with Jesus sustains this connection. John 15:9 (AMP) reassures us: “I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you].” Furthermore, John 15:15 (NIV) emphasises the intimacy of our relationship: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Recognising and embracing the depth of Jesus’s love fortifies our relationship.
Psalm 8:4 (AMP) reminds us of our significance to God: “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him?” Similarly, Proverbs 18:24 (TLB) highlights true friendship: “There are ‘friends’ who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Jesus offers us eternal friendship, contingent upon our willingness to follow His teachings. John 14:15 (AMP) states, “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.”
The hymn by Joseph Scriven, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus,” captures this sentiment beautifully:
“What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God in prayer!”
Be Friends with Jesus
Cultivating a friendship with Jesus involves daily conversation. Spend time alone with Him, listening for His voice. Read the Bible as a letter filled with promises, allowing His loving words to fill your mind and heart.
As you go about your daily tasks, remember to thank Him for the little things, seek His guidance, and reflect on His love. If life gets busy and you forget to focus on Him, gently return your thoughts to Him. Embrace this intimate relationship, and you will discover the joy of walking alongside your closest friend, Jesus.