It Starts Small

⁴ I had just passed them
when I found the one I love.
I held on to him and would not let him go
until I brought him to my mother’s house—
to the chamber of the one who conceived me.

Songs 3:4

The bride’s pursuit has ignited into protection. She resolutely clings to the One she loves, fiercely determined to embrace Him in the depths of her origin—the most sacred sanctum of her life, represented by the chamber of her conception. This hallowed space pulses with intimacy and reverence. Each line of this verse brims with profound symbolism. To welcome the Beloved into the heart of her mother’s home is to weave divine love into the very fabric of her history, her foundation, her very identity. No longer does she conceal fragments of herself; the pursuit has blossomed into a glorious wholeness.

⁸ I follow close to you;
your right hand holds on to me.

Psalm 63:8

Theologically, this is a profound act of surrender. She isn’t merely welcoming Christ into her circumstances—she is inviting Him into the very core of her being. She opens the door to her past, embraces her roots, and lays bare her beginnings. This is the essence of true intimacy: a complete unreserved offering, with nothing held back.

Psychologically, healing ignites when we cease to compartmentalize our spiritual and emotional lives. When we invite God into the “mother’s house”—those deep, subconscious spaces where we were molded—we open the door for Him to redeem not only our present but also our entire narrative. Neuroscience confirms this profound truth. When our past traumas or shame encounter the transformative power of love and safety, our brains begin a miraculous rewiring. Neural pathways once shackled to fear and pain are replaced with vibrant connections to peace and safety. God’s love, in its boundless compassion, changes us from the inside out, illuminating our souls with hope and renewal.

If you’ve invited Jesus into your present, that’s truly beautiful! But today, I urge you to go deeper! Invite Him into your very origins, into the profound places of identity, memory, and formative experiences. Hold Him close, and allow Him to embrace you there with all His love and presence.

Journal Prompt:

• What memories or parts of your story do you need to invite God into?

Practical Steps and Application:

1. Pray over those early memories, asking Jesus to meet you in that moment.
2. Draw or map your spiritual journey – where did God show up? WHere had you wish He had?

Deeper Introspection:

Read Psalm 63.

Psalm 63, a psalm written by David while he was in the wilderness of Judah, is a powerful reflection on seeking, finding, and rejoicing in God even during the driest seasons of life. His expressions of longing and hope provide a framework for our own journaling.

Part 1: Yearning for God in the wilderness (verses 1–2)

• Identify your “wilderness.” David compares his desperate thirst for God to physical dehydration “in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). Reflect on and describe the “wilderness” you are in—whether it is a time of spiritual dryness, emotional hardship, or a season of loss.
• Examine your deepest longing. When all other comforts are stripped away, what do you yearn for most? Is it God himself, or is it relief from your circumstances? Journal about the difference between seeking God and seeking only his blessings.
• Recall past encounters. David intentionally remembers seeing God’s “power and glory” in the sanctuary (Psalm 63:2). Take time to reflect on a past time when you vividly experienced God’s presence or saw his mighty hand at work. Describe that memory and how it impacts you now.

Part 2: Praising God from the soul (verses 3–8)

• Embrace God’s love. David declares that God’s “steadfast love is better than life” (Psalm 63:3). Honestly consider if you believe this truth. What would it look like for you to live as if God’s love is your most precious possession?
  • Related scripture: 1 John 4:16, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
• Turn your thoughts to praise. Even in the desert, David is filled with praise and sings songs of joy because God is his “help” (Psalm 63:7). Meditate on God’s character and past faithfulness. What can you praise God for right now, even in the midst of your trial?
  • Related scripture: Philippians 4:6–7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
• Cling to God. David says, “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8). The imagery of clinging and being upheld describes a dependent relationship. In what ways do you try to hold on to your own strength? Write a prayer surrendering that control and asking God to be your sole support.

Part 3: Trusting God’s ultimate victory (verses 9–11)

• Look to God’s justice. David expresses confidence that his enemies will ultimately face defeat, while “the king shall rejoice in God” (Psalm 63:11). While you may not have enemies in the same sense, what or who is opposing you today? How does the promise of God’s final justice and victory give you hope?
• Find joy beyond circumstance. Despite his circumstances, David rejoices in God, knowing his loyalty to the Lord will be rewarded. Reflect on the difference between happiness (based on circumstances) and joy (based on God’s character). How can you cultivate a heart of joy even when your situation doesn’t feel joyful?
  • Related scripture: Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
• Proclaim God’s truth. David contrasts the “liars” who will be silenced with those who “glory” in God (Psalm 63:11). Consider where you have believed lies about your circumstances, your worth, or God’s faithfulness. Write a personal declaration of God’s truth, affirming what you know to be true about him and his promises.

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© Kimberlee Smith 2026 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.