WEEK 06 & 07 | The Gift of Singleness

This isn't some bitter single girl rant.  I wanted to give that full disclosure right off the bat.  This is an appreciation post for what it means to celebrate a day dedicated to love when you don't have a significant other or someone to hold you close, take you out and lavish you with words of affirmation.  That'll come in its time.  Right now, this very moment God has purposed you for singleness.  Singleness is a gift.  And there's many ways you can show love, and receive love from those God has placed in your life.  God is rich in love and He's poured it out through family, friendships, and ministry in my life.  Your heart may be hurting today, but God promises His love will be a refuge in time of need. 

"God’s a safe-house for the battered,
 a sanctuary during bad times.
The moment you arrive, you relax;
you’re never sorry you knocked."  Psalm 9:9-10 (The MSG)

I’ve been given the gift of singleness vs. the gift of companionship during these last years in my twenties.  This is the time most people begin getting married, starting new families, and I'm over here, single, not minglin', just taking my time, and letting God be God.  I trust His love story for my life.  I trust He's the best match-maker there is.  I think I've hit the age where people start to feel bad for you when you're not married or are always asking if you're dating anyone, etc, etc.  The thing is I'm perfectly content with my relationship status.   I've definitely had my moments where I wonder too, "Okay, God.  When is it going to happen? I do want that."  But if I'm not careful, I'll miss the blessings that are to be reaped in this time of singleness.  God knows exactly what each one of us need and works through each of our circumstances to bring out His best for us.  He knew I needed this time to myself, so that I could grow in love with Him.  And do the things He's called me to do before the person.  Anything I do is for the glory of God, and in singleness I do that by serving Him, aligning my will to His and presenting my body as a living sacrifice.  I give Him my hands, heart, mind, eyes, ears, feet.  I'll go where He leads me, I'll put my hands to good use, and guard what I allow into my life.  I won't pursue relationships or things that have no lasting value.  In my singleness, I ask "What can I do for the Kingdom?  What can I build today? Lord, in Your infinite power and wisdom, use me.  I'm Yours."  Giving yourself for others, in service to Him is where freedom is found.  And in this time of singleness, I can do that uninhibited.  Look to Him and ask where He can use you. Ask Him to fill you up with His love and you'll be so full that you'll pour out to all those around you. 

Singleness isn’t a thing to be sad about.  It’s a gift.  It’s a privilege.  It’s a time to relish in.  It’s a time to give back.  To discover who you are.  But most importantly, it’s a time to get to know God.  And fall in love with Him.  He’s always going to be your one constant even in marriage.  What memories Him and I have to look back on during these formative years will still be there in marriage.  He’s been there by my side through it all.  He’s the cause of it all.  I’ve only been able to do what I do by the power of His Spirit.  And I know marriage it will be the same.  It will be one more of those grand adventures, Him and I will be on together.  He’ll show me new measures of mercy and grace, freedom and voice through it.  But how grateful I am for all of that shown in singleness.  As I celebrate one more year in His love, I invite you to treasure your singleness as well if you find yourself in that season this year.  It won’t be forever and you are not alone.  

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17