By SINGLE AND HAPPY WHILE WAITING TO MARRY
By Mike & Carlie Kercheval
Are you single and happy while waiting to get married? Most Christians have the desire to find a spouse and start a family. However, somewhere between having that desire and it coming to pass is a waiting game that doesn’t seem too exciting at times.
While the ultimate goal is marriage, let’s talk about seven practical and biblical ways Christians can be single and happy while waiting for their spouse-to-be.
Embrace the Season of Waiting
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Psalm 27:14
The word “embrace” carries many meanings, but there are two that stand out most for this particular circumstance- “to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly.” We believe there are great blessings hidden in your ability to gladly receive and willingly accept the season of singleness.
Focus On Being the Right Person
When you’re single, it’s easy to focus on finding the right person. But what if we told you that it’s better to focus on being the right person? Changes your perspective some, doesn’t it? There are many godly traits that don’t always come easy, especially if you have not been properly shown how to be a godly husband or wife. With that in mind…
Prepare Yourself for Godliness
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
Truth be told, when you’re single, you have way more free time than you will ever have in any other season of life. Use this time wisely by spending intentional time in prayer and bible study. Get plugged into your church and find ways to serve your community (or in other parts of the world). You’ll be able to do these things when you’re married, but it’s great to get into the habit while you’re single. Focus on being a good steward of this time.
Keep Your Heart Guarded
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Staying happy while waiting to marry also involves guarding your heart. Every season has its own trials, especially when it comes to being single. The world will push dating around, sex before marriage, and many other things to help feel the void. That’s why it is even more important that you take thoughts (and actions) captive and guard your heart against desiring a spouse too badly.
More Ways to be Single and Happy While Waiting to Marry
Keep Your Hope in Check
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
It’s fine and dandy to desire to get married and have a family, but sometimes the desire can turn into hoping that it will happen by a specific time. And when that doesn’t happen, that hope can turn into something else and lead you to make some bad decisions. Keep your hope in check by staying focused on Jesus and His perfect timing. Always keep your hope anchored in Him, and not in finding a spouse.
Trust God
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Proverbs 3:5
You’ve probably been told this a thousand times, but it still rings true. Take this as a reminder to trust that God knows exactly what He’s doing. He has you in the perfect place for your good and His glory. His timing is perfect, and that alone should make you smile.
Seek Wise Counsel Now
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20
Most Christians wait until they are married and experiencing their first roadblock before they seek wise counsel. However, now is the time to get wisdom from other married Christians. Don’t hesitate to ask them the hard questions. Let them speak into your life and help you grow as a single Christian. Ask for accountability and in return, allow them to help you thrive during your singleness and help prepare you for marriage.
By no means do we claim to have all the answers you may need for what you may be facing as a single, but we are well aware of the struggles and difficulties this journey can bring. Our prayer is that you truly embrace being single and happy while waiting to marry. God knows the plans He has for you, and they are to give you hope and a future. And that, our friend, is something to be happy about.
