I have concern for my single friends.  Singleness can be challenging.  We can be lonely.  We can have God given desires for marriage and a family.  However, to act on those desires without allowing God to guide our hearts is a disaster in the making.

First, our hearts are not a good guide.   Jeremiah 17:9 (AMP) tells us,  “The heart is deceitful above all things and it is extremely sick; Who can understand it fully and know its secret motives?”.  We are all born with a sin nature.  Without God, we cannot make good choices.  We need to pray that God would lead us.

Second, the world keeps telling us that we can do whatever we want.  The problem is that the world does not care about the consequences.  A friend of mine tells her children that there are natural consequences to our wrong choices.  So true.  Those consequences can seem minor at first, but defying God is never in our best interest.  Galatians 6:7 (AMP) says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap.”  Whenever we set aside what God tells us, that is no better than mocking God.

The best part – God’s way is best and brings great joy.  Waiting is hard. Very hard.  Especially when we see others around us enjoying what we want.  However, waiting for God’s timing – His person for us – is always (yes, I said always), the best choice.  I have heard of married people regretting jumping into marriage without Christ as their guide.  I have not heard of singles who regretting waiting.  I have heard stories of married people who did wait through the difficulties of their singleness – and rejoiced through married life because of it.   Psalm 25:3 (AMP) “Indeed, none of those who [expectantly] wait for You will be ashamed; Those who turn away from what is right and deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed (humiliated, embarrassed).”  Psalm 27:14 (AMP) “Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.”

Waiting is worth the effort.  You are worth waiting for.  God’s way brings the most joy.  Please wait for God’s best for you.

Married friends – please be aware of the singles.  They can feel set aside.  I know – sometimes it is our fault.  But if you can help someone from the slippery slope of bad relationship choices – you will also know great joy.