His banner over me is love…. (devo reflection)

Song of Songs 2:1 I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
One of the topics we are discussing in my classes right now is the idea of belonging and the sting of isolation. I’ve always interpreted verse 1 as the speaker exalting herself as beautiful, but commentary points out that these are not showy, ornamental flowers. She’s describing herself as fairly ordinary. Don’t we all feel the isolation of ordinary at times?
Song of Songs 2:2 Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women.
But the male speaker loves her, claims her as his beloved, despite her view of herself. He sees her as a rose among thorns. His banner of belonging over her is unconditional love. I can’t help but see a model of Jesus’s love for me (and you and all) here.
Song of Songs 2:4 Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for seeing my internal worth and beauty despite my flaws and despite my own opinion of myself at times. Thank You for waiving Your banner of love and acceptance over me and declaring me as Your beloved. Help me to love others as fiercely and unconditionally as You love me. Draw me closer. Amen.
Song of Songs 2:10 My beloved spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.
Have a blessed day.