Why Should I Turn Aside

"Tell me ... where you feed your flock, where you make it rest at noon."   [Song of Solomon 1:7]

These words express the desire of the believer after 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 your flock, for wherever you stand as the Shepherd, there will I lie down as a sheep; for none but yourself can supply my need. I cannot be satisfied to be apart from you. My soul hungers and thirsts for the refreshment of your presence. “Where do you make your flock to rest at noon?” for whether at dawn or at noon, my only rest must be where you are and your beloved flock. My soul’s rest must be a grace-given rest, and can only be found in you. Where is the shadow of that rock? Why should I not repose beneath it? “Why should I be as one that turns aside by the flocks of your 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 therefore my unworthiness cannot be a bar to my having fellowship with you now. It is true I am weak in faith, and prone to fall, but my very feebleness is the reason why I should always be where you feed your flock, that I may be strengthened, and preserved in safety beside the still waters. Why should I turn aside? There is no reason why I should, but there are a thousand reasons why I should not, for Jesus beckons me to come. If he withdrew himself a little, it is but to make me prize his presence more. Now that I am grieved and distressed at being away from him, he will lead me yet again to that sheltered nook where the lambs of his fold are sheltered from the burning sun. Hallelujah, God bless