My dear friends, I have great news! You've been told that this time of singleness is supposed to be a #struggle and to just disqualify yourself from true enjoyment because of your singlehood- to shut yourself in a room watching Netflix and eat ice cream. Okay, maybe you haven't been told that, but I know we can feel that way. The truth is that our emotions don't have to dictate our joy and this time of singleness could actually be one of the most substantial, exciting, and adventurous times of your life - if you so choose. So here's some advice...
The
only affections that will truly satisfy are the Lord's. Psalm 37:4-7 says, "Take
delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit
everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make
your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine
like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently
for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their
wicked schemes.”
Our peace, our fill,
our radiance comes from the Lord!! He shines brightest when we choose to soak
up His light! Love is patient and there is no fear in His love- only complete
peace.
I love Psalm 27:4 where it says, “The one thing I ask of the LORD — the
thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.”
I am
reminded of Anna in the New Testament, a widow who never left the temple. She worshiped, fasted, and prayed day and night! She had no other need and no
other longing because she had found the greatest fill of God's presence. That
is the devotion that I desire- this comes from consistent communion with the
Father in worship, the word, and prayer.
There's a reason why the word says it is not good for man to be alone. Because we are better and stronger with one another. So rather than being miserable about your singlehood, invest in the relationships around you. Get involved in a small group. Don't let singlehood give you a stigma about couples- spend time with other couples and learn from their relationships! CELEBRATE the people, relationships, and marriages around you... they will be celebrating with you when your time comes!
3. Invest in your craft.
You have one of the
greatest advantages in this season, it's called TIME. What better way to spend
your time than stretching and growing your God-given talents? Life only gets
busier from here so take the time that you now have and further your gifts.
Read books on leadership or take a piano class- whatever your heart beats for,
now is your time to strengthen and grow your gift.
4. Invest in the current season.
If you really trust
God, you can lay the promise to rest and wait patiently on Him. Ouch- I know
it's heavy, but it's true. It is okay if you are not there yet, but recognize you are not there yet so you can learn to continually surrender. This is a lifelong process for us all. The promise is meant to stir up our faith but I
think sometimes we get so focused on it that we forget the promise of God's
presence in the present... So we get anxious and antsy and can't stand to be
still and know that He is God. Learn faithfulness right here, let your faith in
Him be your motivation. God is true to His promises, there's no arguing with
what He has ordained, we just have to trust, wait, and enjoy where we are...
Because our joy shouldn't depend on the promise, it should depend on His
presence. Find Him here.
“LORD, you alone are
my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you
have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless
the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is
always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my
heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave
my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will
show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures
of living with you forever.”
Psalms 16:5-11 NLT
