We see pictures of couples everywhere. Every time we log into Facebook we see "This friend is now engaged." We go to wedding after wedding, and either dream that it would be our own, or sulk in the corner eating three pieces of reminder-that-I'm-single cake, while attending our very own pity party. Relationships are beautiful when God's blessing is evident, but let me remind you (AND myself) of something you probably haven't felt very often... God's blessing is evident in singleness too. God loves undivided attention and a heart that is willing to be prepared for a later season of overflow. How can we prepare if all we know how to do is compare?
The 10 biggest lies we all believe about being single:
1. There is no one that can handle me.
2. I am damaged goods.
3. I am temporary.
4. My heart isn't beautiful.
5. I will be alone forever.
6. I can't trust anyone or open up to anyone again.
7. It's taking so long that I'm going to miss out.
8. Everything ends badly.
9. My standards are too high so I might as well settle.
10. All the good candidates are already taken.
These may not be true, but since they have taken root in our minds, and affected the way we think for so long, this way of thinking has become our new reality. The best way to rewire our minds to think good thoughts is to speak to every single one of these lies and to tell ourselves why they are far from true. Next: REPLACE-WITH-GRACE. We do not give ourselves enough grace. We are NOT the only ones thinking this way. We WILL come out victorious. We WON'T lose hope and let this spiral out of control. Grace makes up for the disconnect from our head and our heart. We know we are being dramatic, but these beliefs feel real.
The 10 truths that defeat these lies:
1. "For your Father knows what you need even before you ask Him." (Matthew 6:8)
2. "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14)
3. "Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
4. "You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." (Song of Solomon 4:7)
5. "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
6. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I am adding more here because TRUST is SO important.
["It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man." (Psalm 118:8)]
["Do not put your trust in princes, or in human beings, who cannot save." (Psalm 146:3)]
["You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal." (Isaiah 26:3-4)]
7. "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23)
8. "Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
["Come back to the place of safety, all you who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles." (Zechariah 9:12)]
9. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
10. "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." ( 2 Thessalonians 3:5)
Common theme? STOP OVER-THINKING IT. If you give Satan an inch he will take a mile. But don't worry. I will let you in on his secret- he is NOT creative. Satan uses the same tactics to bring you down every. single. time. because HE KNOWS THEY WORK. Don't let the lies get the best of you! Let the truth speak to the mess in you. God gives and takes away. But He never leaves us empty. He is good and just and righteous and perfect in ALL His ways. He will only give back, or give better. Remember the truth. Forget the lie.
