Love Letters for SinglesНамуна

'BYE BYE CARES AND CONCERNS

“Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you." Isaiah 54:4 (NLT)

Let’s face it, the last thing most singles want to do is talk about their single status to eager friends and family who are constantly asking them when they are getting hitched. I also know of people who have gone on to get married (knowing that a particular relationship was not healthy or of much interest to them) due to pressure from third parties. Unfortunately, being content as a single person and/or finding the strength to leave a relationship that we know is not right, can be hard. There are several reasons why we may override certain truths and tolerate pressure or societal expectations. These include self-imposed pressure, a desire to please people, and a sense of guilt/shame. This list goes on. We need to get rid of some thinking patterns and make a paradigm shift if we are to move forward to forge better and healthier relationships. Others' opinions of us should not define or shape our future.  

God wants you to lift your head up high - He alone is your glory and the lifter up of your head (Psalm 3:3)! While I was single, I remember declaring scriptures like this out loud over and over again to myself. The more I opened my heart and mind to God's Word, the more conscious and confident I became in what He said about me, and less concerned about what others thought of me. When you focus on the journey God is taking you on, you will not lack contentment and confidence. You will be so secure in His promises to you. In fact, others will want what you have, because of God’s glory that shines in and through you!

Singles also face fears of the unknown: will I be single forever? Will my partner be compatible with me physically, emotionally, sexually, spiritually? Will I be fulfilled with my partner? Will our families blend well? 

The unknown can look a little scary, but having faith in God who holds the future makes all the difference.  

Know that God cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 says, 'Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you'.  He knows you have cares and worries, otherwise there would be no need to cast them. And there would be no need to trust God if you had everything figured out. One of my (many) favourite scriptures is found in Romans 10:11 - 'those who trust in Him will not be put to shame'. So tell God your concerns, open up to Him about your innermost fears and anxious thoughts, and leave it with Him to take care of. In that place of total surrender and transparency, you are deciding to trust Him to take care of you. Nothing is new to God or too big or small for Him. He wants to take care of you, and He cares deeply and affectionately for you, as His child!

JOURNAL:

Make a list of your worries and concerns, and that of your close family and friends. What are you anxious about? Then, share your desires with God, and ask Him to help you roll all your cares on Him.