God's Good Gift

“His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me!” Song of Solomon 2:6; 8:3

Twice in the Song of Solomon we read the lyrics, “His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me!” This was an expression that was used in other poetry of that day and it had sexual connotations. This is an expression of sexual affection. Men and women are beautifully different in this area of communication. Sexual fulfillment is the “touch” of most men. Affection is the “touch” of most women. The only person that can biblically meet these needs is your spouse.

Husbands, if the only time you touch your wife is when you want sex, that is not touching. It is taking. The greatest way you can show your wife that you love her is simply with unplanned touches like holding hands when you are walking in a mall, or putting your arm around her when you are watching TV, or just giving her a warm embrace for no reason. Women crave affection and conversation. She wants to be hugged, held, and heard.

Wives, men need sexual fulfillment. If you do not meet the sexual needs of your husband you are in effect taking a gun to your marriage and trying to blow its head off. Of course there are times when you are not in the mood or are simply exhausted and not up to it. Your husband should be understanding in these times. But do not ask him to be understanding ALL the time. Instead, be understanding of his need and put him first.

Physical intimacy within marriage is God’s gift. It is not something to be avoided or exploited. It is to be cherished and enjoyed. In a culture that has sex all wrong, it is important that we get this right in Christian marriage.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift that sex is within the context of marriage. Help me to put the physical needs of my spouse above my own, and give me the desire to love and honor my spouse through physical touch and affection. Amen.