
Psalm 36:7 **
Someone has taken the trouble to categorize the books of the Bible into history, poetry and so on. Accordingly the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon, have become known as books of poetry. Poetry, in English literature is largely “romantic”. Others have labelled this section of the Bible as “Wisdom” literature. Many of us would consider romance anything but wise! So what does that mean for us as we read these specific books?
Wordsworth said poetry should begin “as the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings,” which serve as a reference point in moments of tranquility. Romance therefore is not purely imaginative. There is a Divine reality in human experience as we grapple with problems in our changing world, which reveals the heart of God and man, throughout the vicissitudes of life. The starting point is God in whom our romantic contemplations are centered; this is true romance.
Biblical books of romance, poetry, and wisdom, reveal a lot about God’s relationship to man. For example, Job speaks to the blessing of suffering. How often do we consider suffering a blessing? Yet as we draw on God’s strength through periods of loss in our own lives, don’t we find our faith grows, our perspective on God’s wisdom expands and we are able to bless others with what we have learned?
The Psalms reveal the blessings we have in communing with God: the Holy One, the Almighty from whom we beg help for ourselves and others, the Omniscient One who knows the end from the beginning and everything in between! With the Psalmist we learn how to truly praise God even in the midst of trouble!
Solomon was known as the wisest man who ever lived. He leaves us precepts for living that derived from this God-given wisdom. Ecclesiastes may seem to be one of the most mysterious books of the Bible. “Vanity, vanity! All is vanity!” What on earth does that mean? (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Looking at life, one might think the aimless cycles and unexplained paradoxes negate a sense of purpose in the whole of man’s experience, but Solomon concludes that the wise man will see life from God’s perspective “for without Him who can eat or find enjoyment?” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). He is the One who makes all things beautiful in their time (3:11). Isn’t that a romantic reality?
Songs of Solomon. Romantic literature surely, since it deals with a love relationship. How often we mistake Eros as the only expression of romantic love. However, there is another theme that runs through this book – a theme of unity, and the bliss that comes from spirits that are united. Some call this “kindred spirits”. This book is not written to describe only erotic love, but includes the love that Jesus demonstrated, by giving His life as payment for our sins. One with the Father (John 17) we see in Him a Holy love for you and for me. This is the best love which scholars have labelled Agape; a charitable love that embraces unconditional love transcending circumstance.
These books are rich in lessons about relationships. Romantic relationships that give us something to reach for as we contend with each other in everyday life. We need lofty ideals in the sordid conditions of our world today. Sex is not love, nor is it romance. Romance teaches us to go much deeper. Romance produces communication, loyalty, endurance, responsibility, as well as fun and laughter! Perhaps we need our hearts and minds purified by the romantic aspirations of a Holy God!
Reflection:
Pondering on the word, what does romance mean to you?
Is the heart of God romantic and if so explain what that looks like?
Why has mankind settled for Erotic love when Agape or even Filial/brotherly love goes so much deeper?
Check out a concordance for God’s unfailing love in the Psalms.
by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)








