Song of Songs 3:4, "Scarcely had I passed them when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her who conceived me."

When we find the Lord Jesus, we keep him. This is the impact of obtaining mercy. This is a wise and faithful soul. We've seen his goodness, so we want him near. We forsake the world, because he's sweeter [Song 1:2].

People think following Christ is drudgery, as if we're zombies with no taste for life… as if we're religious idiots who've forgotten joy. The opposite is true. We have a Friend and a Savior: Someone that delights us and dwells within! Let this motivate us, and we do wisely. We're PURSUING JOY by following Christ! Hebrews 12:2, “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

First, "I found him." “Scarcely had I passed them when I found him whom my soul loves.” We get Christ back, after we've lost him. We've sinned again and spat in his face, but he allows himself to be found. Neediness and dryness drive us: We go about the streets seeking. Song 3:2, “I will rise now and go about the city, in the streets and in the squares; I will seek him whom my soul loves.” We are not content, so we lift up prayer. We enter the house of God, read sermons, and look for encouragement. We are not those who are satisfied without Christ. His absence oppresses us.

Therefore, seek him child of God! Don't sit idle. Don't say, “I've sinned too much.” No, go back to your Beloved again. Honor him by believing. Confess your sin, and get NEW MERCY.

Secondly, hold him. She says, "I held him, and would not let him go." This is the zeal of new life. We want to enjoy him, so we stay away from iniquity. We confess sins immediately. We endure temptation, because it's better than guilt and shame. We fight by the Spirit.

God enables himself to be held, even as Jacob wrestled and prevailed. Genesis 32:28, “Then he said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” He abides with us and burns our heart. Luke 24:29, “but they urged him strongly, saying, Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent. So he went in to stay with them.” He hears prayer. He delights in fellowshipping with us, and he loves to see our face [Song 2:14]. He rejoices in communion.

The believer lives holy, not to earn from God, but to enjoy what we have! This is walking by faith and pursuing joy. This is wisdom, and power is given for this purpose. This is answered prayer, and our greatest desire. Fellowship with Christ is maintained, and obedience is rewarded [John 14:21, 23].

It's worth it, just to walk with Christ. We suffer, so we can gain. We've tasted grace, so every other thing is forsaken. We have one pursuit in our life. Christ is first, he is followed, and he is obeyed!

Thirdly, "I brought him into my mother's house." “I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her who conceived me." Here's why Christ abides. He stays with us, so we can give him to someone else. He comforts us, so others are comforted. 2 Corinthians 1:4, “who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” He heals us, so we can teach sinners. Psalms 51:12-13,

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” He gives us joy to encourage others. We say, “There's a sin forgiving and prayer hearing God! There's someone who gives power.”

Bless his name! He is wise. If we LIVE TO SERVE OTHERS, then we live indeed. He'll pour upon us his Spirit, so we can live selflessly. He'll abide with us to honor Christ.

Ask God why he uses you. Ask him why he helps in prayer. Ask him why he improves us and makes us able to serve. The answer is for his glory - to glorify the Son in his goodness to us, so he can be praised… to show his beauty and his love to others. Therefore, he takes sinners and fallen saints, and he gives us power. He makes us useful, so all can marvel and say, “Look what God has done.” Mark 7:37, “And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Let us be about this business. Let us have a serving mind, and we'll have a double portion of the Spirit. Use the gospel: don't sit on it!