There’s something that’s really been disturbing me lately about young women my age: when life goes haywire, they turn to their significant other before they turn to God (and honestly, guys are doing it too, but anyway). Hear me out: there’s nothing wrong with going to your significant other when something upsetting happens, but you should always turn to God first. When you don’t, you are hindering both your relationship with God and your relationship with your S.O. The Bible very clearly says to put your trust and faith in Him, not in man:

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8

“But I trust in you, Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'” Psalm 31:14

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Putting the faith meant for God in another person not only sets you up to be let down, but it also sets your partner up to fail you. There’s a reason our faith is supposed to be placed in God: He is the only one who can give us what we need. A person can’t give you lasting joy, or lasting peace, or keep a promise to never let you down, for the sole reason that they are human, not because they don't want to. Yes, I will agree that God can use people in our lives to bring us these things, but ultimately they all come from Him. We were designed to need and get these things from our Creator, not people.

Now like I said earlier, of course you can — and should — share important things and struggles with your S.O. They can be there to support you and encourage you, and maybe even give you some great advice and pray with you. I’m also not saying to doubt your partner’s ability to be there for you during a difficult time. But they should not be the one you turn to to fix your problems. I will also say that there is a distinct difference between going to your S.O. to fix your problems, and going to your S.O. to pray with you and activate their faith with yours. This is also scriptural:

“Both of us need help. I can help make your faith strong and you can do the same for me. We need each other.” Romans 1:12

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in Heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:19-20

This can be a challenging concept to unwrap, and it’s even more difficult to change your thinking and actions. But it’s time for us as young women to stop misdirecting our faith into our significant others. It’s time for us to remember the difference between the role of God in our lives, and the role of our partner, and it’s time for us to start putting God first again.