Single

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word single? Loneliness, excitement, anxiousness, peacefulness, bitterness, privileged?

For me, it has been all of those things, at one point or another.

While thinking about my own life, I really wanted to seek out what the Word of God had to say about living the single life. I was blown away by the weight of what I found.

Contentment lays the groundwork. In Philippians 4:11–12, the apostle Paul talks about his learned ability to be content in all circumstances: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”

I think it is important to note that Paul was in prison when he wrote this, chained 24 hours a day to a Roman guard. He remained content by God’s grace.

I am not saying that being single is anything like being “chained to a Roman guard for 24 hours a day,” but I know that if Paul could be content in that situation, we can be content as single women in love with Jesus Christ!

Contentment is defined as “being satisfied with what one is or has and not wanting more or anything else.” By that definition, are you content?

Pastor James McDonald says that contentment means, “When I have much, I will praise Him. When I have little or nothing, I will still praise Him.” That, to me, is contentment!

Now I know that there are times and seasons in life where being single is more OK than others. For example, maybe you, like me, have three Save the Date announcements on your fridge. Every paycheck is a down payment on a bridesmaid dress. Weekends are spent tying Raffia bows to wedding announcements. Your friends’ blogs are filled with engagement photos. Episodes of Rich Bride Poor Bride and Glamorous Wedding are on constant repeat on your TV.

But, with all that being said, we can be content exactly where God has us right now!

How? By doing three things:

  • Taking heed of God’s promises.
  • Believing God is who He says He is.
  • Understanding our purpose.

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:20, says “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” I encourage you to seek out the promises of God and allow them to be a covering over your life. There are endless promises from our heavenly Father that will bring about contentment in your life, as soon as now!

In order to know who God is, we must know who He says He is. He is your Mighty Creator, your Almighty God, your Provider, your Peace, and your Banner. He is your Healer and your Shepherd. He is your Dwelling Place, your Refuge, your Shield, your Fortress, and your Strong Tower. And He is your husband. That is who God says He is.

Do you believe that today?

And lastly, understanding our purpose. Someone once said, “Our destiny, our greatest purpose as God’s people, is to become His bride” I love that!

One day, we will meet Him face-to-face as we are seated as the bride of Christ at the marriage supper of the Lamb. How beautiful and exciting!

In Isaiah 43:7, the Lord says “Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”

We were created with a purpose, to glorify God in all we do. Your desire may be to one day be married to the man who the Lord has for you, and the Lord knows your desire. Trust in who He says He is, believe the promises He makes, and fulfill your purpose to glorify Him. You will learn to be content right where the Lord has you!

So, for now, “do not grow weary in doing for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not grow weary” and “seek first His kingdom and all things shall be added unto you”!