It Starts Small

Song of Solomon is a rich and vibrant collection of poetry exploring the beauty of romantic love and intimacy within the context of a committed relationship. Though its frank celebration of physical affection may seem startling to some, Jewish and Christian interpreters have long found a profound spiritual allegory within its verses. By delving into the passionate expressions of the bride and groom, we gain insight into the deep, covenantal love God has for his people, a relationship meant to be joyful, committed, and exclusive. When viewed through this spiritual lens, the book becomes a mirror, reflecting not only the ideal of human love but also the image of a divine romance between a heavenly bridegroom and his beloved.

This study will go beyond traditional theological interpretations by integrating insights from modern psychology and neuroscience to enhance our understanding of the text’s allegorical depth. We will explore the emotional dynamics of attachment, desire, and commitment as understood by psychology, and how these concepts illuminate the spiritual longing and intimacy depicted in the Song. Furthermore, we will consider the neurochemistry of love, examining how the brain’s reward centers and bonding hormones—like dopamine and oxytocin—create experiences of pleasure and connection that can parallel our spiritual cravings for the divine. By combining these diverse lenses, you are invited to engage in a deeply personal and introspective journey, allowing the poetic dialogue to prompt an examination of your own relationship with God and encouraging a fresh, multi-faceted appreciation for the divine love story it reveals.

This study is deeply introspective. The purpose is to get us to look inward and ask the better questions about ourselves and our relationship with the Lord. You will need a separate writing journal for this series. It does not need to be a fancy. Just functional. At the end of each day are several deep introspective questions to ponder over.

Here is a breakdown of Each week’s study:

• Week 1: Christ’s Initiating Love
  • Introduction
  • Song of Solomon 1:1-7
  • 1. The Resounding Voice of Initiating Love
  • 2. The Essence of His Boundless Affection
  • 3. Yearning for the Glorious King’s Chambers
  • 4. Seen and Cherished by Love
  • 5. Misunderstood, Yet Immersed in His Embrace
  • 6. Pursuing The Beloved in the Untamed Wilderness
  • 7. The Voice that Tenderly Calls Us Near

• Week 2: The Joy of Being Chosen
  • Introduction
  • Song of Solomon 1:8-15
  • 1. You are Not Forgotten: God Sees You with Unwavering Love
  • 2. A Crown of Beauty Awaits You
  • 3. Adorned with Grace, You Shine Brightly
  • 4. You are Invaluable and Cherished Forever
  • 5. A Safe Place to Rest
  • 6. Secure in His Loving Gaze, You Find Peace
  • 7. Fully Known, Deeply Loved, You Are an Unbreakable Gift

• Week 3: Beneath His Covering Of Love
  • Introduction
  • Song of Solomon 1:8-15
  • 1. Embraced by the Delight of the Divine
  • 2. Chosen Amidst the Thorns of Life
  • 3. Fed and Revitalized by His Sacred Presence
  • 4. Hidden in the Fortress of His Strength
  • 5. Safe Beneath the Tenderness of His Covering
  • 6. Do Not Awaken the Flame of Love Too Soon
  • 7. The Whisper of My Beloved’s Heart

• Week 4: Longing for the Beloved
  • Introduction
  • 1. The Pain of Absence
  • 2. Awakening from Restlessness
  • 3. Roaming in the Dark
  • 4. When God Encounters You
  • 5. Grasping through Mystery
  • 6. The Power of Sacred Rest
  • 7. The Mystery of His Movements

• Week 5: The King Rejoices Over You
  • Introduction
  • Song of Solomon 3:1-5
  • 1. The King is Coming
  • 2. His Faithful Covenant
  • 3. Crowned with Joy
  • 4. You are Altogether Beautiful
  • 5. Sacred Intimacy
  • 6. Welcoming His Presence
  • 7. Divine Celebration

• Week 6: Maturing in Intimacy and Obedience
  • Introduction
  • Song of Solomon 5:2-6:3
  • 1. The Fiery Test of Delay
  • 2. The Heart-Wrenching Pain of Missed Moments
  • 3. The Piercing Pain that Awakens
  • 4. The Vulnerable Yet Unyielding Pursuit
  • 5. The Resounding Voice of Worship
  • 6. The Profound Restoration of Union
  • 7. The Bountiful Fruit of Tested Love

• Week 7: The Seal of Unending Love
  • Introduction
  • Song of Solomon 6:4-8:14
  • 1. Love’s Gaze: A Devotion Unwavering
  • 2. The Beauty of Belonging: A Heartfelt Embrace
  • 3. Delight in the Garden: A Sanctuary
  • 4. Unveiled and Radiant: The Splendor of True Connection
  • 5. The Seal upon the Heart: A Bond Indelible
  • 6. Leaning on the Beloved: A Trusting Surrender
  • 7. Love’s Eternal Flame: The Fire that Never Fades

• Deeper Introspective Journal Prompts

There are two journals for download. The first has S.O.A.P pages to study scripture using the soap method along with the devotional. The second has the S.O.A.P pages removed and is just the devotionals. The PDF for both is close to or just over 300 pages depending upon the version you choose. I have also broken each section into it’s own PDF for download. The breakdowns have the S.O.A.P sheets included.

---

---

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.