“Awake, 0 north wind; and come, you south wind, both you blow upon my garden, that its fragrance may be wafted abroad…” (Song of Solomon 4:16 MLB).
According to Hastings Bible Dictionary, in the ancient Israel of Solomon’s day, the north wind was cold and cutting. The south wind was warm and balmy. Thus these words have spiritual significance to us today.
The cold and penetrating north wind comes to clear away the mists of gloom, error, unbelief, and sin. It goes right through to the bone and reveals to us our heart’s condition so we can turn from our sins and be saved.
Smug, complacent, apathetic, and listless individuals will remain in their sins until the north wind of God’s Holy Spirit awakens them to their need of forgiveness and salvation.
Think back to your own conversion and what it was that awakened you to your spiritual need. God is not cruel. He does not send chilling winds to make people miserable, only to awaken them out of their death-sleep.
The south wind was a balmy breeze like the one which wafted through the fragrant Garden of Eden. This wind has many pleasant associations with the mild and gentle graces of the Holy Spirit. After our conversion, the Lord invites us to follow Him on the road as committed disciples. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. His commandments are not grievous.
Cold north winds awaken us to serve the Lord. Warm south winds refresh us in our task.
The north wind of the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin. The south wind comforts us in our need.
Both winds are vital to eternal salvation.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.