As a woman in my 30’s, I often encounter people who have been in constant check of my single status. Phrases and words such as “you are already an old maid,” “get married before it’s too late,” ”go on dates, so you would meet your right man,” have been the endless set of punchlines for me these past years.
Singleness. Such a word that I guess most people would link to loneliness. And, that is what people keep on telling me. But as I walk with God every day, I realize that singleness, unlike what they say, is something that we should be grateful about. I believe that the Lord has purposed everyone to experience singleness as the season of learning, serving, and experiencing contentment in Him alone. We can never find contentment and satisfaction outside Christ.
I have been a Christian for a decade now, and have also met a lot of Christians who linger with the thought that they can be happier and more fulfilled if they finally meet their husbands. This is a lie, I suppose. A woman who is not content in being single will never be content in being married. I’ve seen and heard this a hundred times from married people. And as I look at scripture, it is indeed undeniably true. There is an empty space in our hearts that only Jesus Christ can fill.
Corrie ten Boom, one of my favorite Christian women of the old once wrote,
“Marriage is not the answer to unhappiness. Happiness can only be found in a balanced relationship with Jesus Christ. When you belong to Christ, you can be happy with or without a husband, secure in Christ alone.”
I could not agree with her more. Whether I am married or single, I can rejoice and find contentment in Him. If I am truly nurturing my relationship with Christ moment by moment, singleness would be enjoyable and fun.
It is during this season that I can have so much time and attention for Him. It is during this time that I can truly develop a deeper relationship with Him in my regular quiet times that is away from distractions and worries of life.
Contentment in Him can bring a lasting joy when I would learn to run to Him every time I feel the pressure of this world. That type of contentment that even when I am alone physically, I am confident that He is just around. He promised us that He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
As I learn more about Him, I feel that I am becoming more content as a single woman. I know that there’s so much more that I can do rather than wallow in the thought that I am still alone and should get married soon. I want to enjoy my life at this very moment. The Lord is Sovereign. He knows our deepest desire that only He can satisfy. And Lord willing, when I would finally enter the new season of married life, I would want to look back and feel no regret as the Lord has allowed me to experience this season of singleness. Nonetheless, I am joyful in Him alone.
Originally posted in: changedlifedotblog.wordpress.com
Photo: ctto
