Red. Pink. White. Hearts. Sappy Hallmark cards. Chocolate. Flowers. Couples. Dates. It must be "Single Awareness Day."
So it's Valentine's Day and for many of us single Christians, Jesus is our valentine. Right now, I know that God is working on me and preparing me to be the woman He has called me to be and I'm cool with that but it's not easy. I'm gonna share some practical tips that have definitely helped/are helping me keep my focus where it needs to be. These are in no particular order nor are they a magic cure for loneliness and insecurities that sometimes accompany being single.
1. Seek God first.
Seek Him first and EVERYTHING else follows (Matthew 6:33). Share feelings of loneliness with God. Have constant heart checks to make sure your heart is focused on Him. Commit every crush into His hands; that will definitely make life so much easier. Remember, He's using this time to mold and grow you. God doesn't hold anything good from those who are doing His will (Psalm 84:11). Everything will be revealed in its time and it will be at the right place at the right time with the right person (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Also, it's a great idea to begin praying for your future spouse. Though you may not know exactly who they are, it's good to just lift them up to God. We all need prayer, don't we?
2. Have realistic, godly standards
Don't be in such a rush to be in a relationship that you forgo your standards, but make sure they're realistic. Wanting a tall, fine, light-skinned brother, 6' 1" who drives a BMW or Mercedes and makes 6 figures is probably a bit unrealistic. It definitely helps to write down the spiritual attributes you want your spouse to have. I found that 1 Timothy 3:1-13 is a great outline of what I want my husband to be like. Remember that a lot of the romance you see in the movies, hear in songs and read about are made up and God is way more creative than that.
3. Be content
I was reading Alyssa Joy's blog (here) and she said that whatever stage you're in is God's best for you. Don't be jealous of those around you who are in relationships. Your time is coming. We don't always see it, but God knows exactly why He wants us to be single at this time. Accept yourself flaws and all and remember you are worth it and God sees you as precious. That being said, Get to work! Before you know it you'll be in a relationship, a wife/husband, mother/father and all that jazz. So use your singleness wisely. Get involved at church or any where else that you can be a positive impact on others.
4. Don't forget the greatest Love
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13) No matter what, there is a Love that looks past your faults and mistakes. He's jealous for you and He desires to be the One that you run to in every situation. He is the perfect example of what true love looks like. Let Him love you.
These are just a few of the ways to embrace this temporary season of your life. Took me a while to get to this place and I still have a ways to go, but with God ALL things are possible. More of my thoughts on relationships and stuff: Loving me Love story for the books Worth it Treat yourself today. Ain't no shame in being single. :)
Happy Valentine's Day! Make someone smile today!
Selah [pause and think]
