Resting in Singleness
I did not realize it until someone asked me about my relationships; I am content. I am happy with what I have, my work and my ministry.
I never thought I would get to this place. I always thought I would be striving for things that were unattainable. However, I am glad to be in this place, how ever long it lasts.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
-Philippians 4:11 NIV
If I am honest with myself, I have ALWAYS strived for a man’s attention/approval. It was normal for me to hangout with my brothers and their friends growing up and I am comfortable around men. So, it made sense for me to want to be with a man. Men make me feel protected. I always felt like that was the missing piece to my life
The truth is the only man’s attention and approval we need is Jesus’. He will love us more than any earthly man ever can! He delights in our lives. Scripture says in EVERY detail of our lives. He knows the number of hairs on our head.
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
-Psalm 37:23 NLT
He delights in EVERY detail of our lives and that includes singleness. I do not believe that God likes to see us striving for things, if we knew what He had in store for us, we would just wait. Waiting is hard. I understand this all too well. However, this contentment in the waiting, now that I have arrived at this place of rest, it is so sweet.
Contentment feels like being swept up in peace and having this confidence that He will come through.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus.”'
-Philippians 4:7 ESV
According to Dictionary.com content is defined as “satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.”
Can you say you are satisfied with what you have?
I used to grin and bear the pain of singleness, but I have discovered the contentment that comes with laying it in God’s hands. For years, I tried to force a relationship in my own power. Let me tell you ANYTHING we try to do in our own strength will not be a good thing. Contentment is an invitation to trust Him. I was reading an old journal and I found this quote,
“Faith is praising him when we don’t understand.”
I do not understand why I am single right now, but I know He has not forgotten me or my desire. One of the verses that has been a huge encouragement to me is Isaiah 40:31,
“and they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
While we wait on the Lord, we will get stronger. We fly with wings like eagles. I know that can be confusing. Eagles soar the highest of any bird and I think this means we will soar high above our problem. When we put our trust in the Lord, we will reap some sweet benefits. It is worth it to give Him our singleness and our other anxieties that keep us from soaring.
About the Author
A lover of paper and pens, Mary Hannah dreamed of being a writer at a young age and was first published at 25. She lives in the woods south of Athens, Georgia, with her parents and two dogs. She is passionate about her faith, Jesus, and her writing. Check out her blog here, https://tbdmlp.wordpress.com/