Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 11, 2014
For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. Isaiah 54:5
How do we stay single for God in a society that marginalizes God? First, it happens within our soul. There is a deep respect and love for God. There is a resolve of righteousness. There is an inner commitment to purity that we proclaim–like young, handsome and winsome Joseph: “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God” (Genesis 39:9). Someone single for God abides by a standard for living defined by the living Lord Jesus in His word, the Bible. So, he or she is a diligent and teachable student, ever learning. They grow because they know God.
Indeed a single heart aligned with the heart of the Lord is never alone. The Holy Spirit is always present to lead, comfort and convict. We may wander in self pity to the edge of despair, but Christ is there to lead us back to hopeful thinking. We may wonder why our prayers are not answered immediately in the affirmative, but we grow to understand the wisdom of waiting on our heavenly Father. His is wise not to bestow His blessings until we are ready to receive them.
“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Psalm 130:5).
Furthermore, peaceful security comes to the soul of a single whose identity is wrapped up in Jesus. Because of their quiet confidence in the Lord, there is no pressure to impress, no guilt or shame in deciding differently from another’s opinion. Our faith teeters off balance if our joy depends on someone else’s good opinion. However, in Christ we are accepted. He is our audience of one whom we want to honor with our faith, love and obedience. We are single for God when we are single, not double minded. Our identity in Christ helps us identify His priorities.
What is your biggest challenge in being single for God? Fear, embarrassment, loneliness, or being singled out? Perhaps you are newly single from a divorce or death. Your stable world has been rocked by change, confusion and hurt. In your vulnerable state be transparent with your heavenly Father, but avoid making rash decisions you may later regret. Do your best, trust God with the rest, while resting in Him. Allow God’s grace and mercy to make you whole. You are incredibly loved by your Maker in heaven. Use your singleness for God as a season of faithfulness others can follow.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, use my single lifestyle as a sacrifice of praise and service to You.
Related Readings: Genesis 2:18; Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 7:9
Post/Tweet today:. Our faith teeters off balance if our joy depends on someone else’s good opinion, but in Christ we are accepted. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: Love this from my pastor Andy on Love, Sex and Dating: http://bit.ly/18X9jWQ
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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved. www.wisdomhunters.com
