I’m afraid I’ve talked about my singleness as something I’m trying to survive way too often. Even though it doesn’t always feel like it, the Bible is clear that singleness is a gift from the Lord as it allows for more time to focus on the Lord. (1 Corinthians 7). Singleness and marriage are both gifts from the Lord, just for different purposes. It is easy to complain about how other people sometimes talk about being single and how it can seem like godly singleness isn’t as celebrated in the church as much as marriage is.

Yet as I’m writing this, I know that I’m part of the problem. I haven’t spoken often enough about the goodness of God I’ve experienced because I’m single. I’m often not very intentional at considering how I can live as a single woman that better points to the beauty of Jesus.

Married or single, our purpose as Christians should be to adorn the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should be trying to figure out how we can best tell of the beauty of Jesus because He is much more beautiful than we will ever be able to properly describe. We cannot add to the beauty of Jesus, it is already infinitely complete, but our lives can demonstrate to others the joys of knowing and following Jesus.

If we wait for our preferred circumstances, we will never strive to tell of the beauty of Jesus through our words and actions. Just as God’s strength is most seen in our weakness, the attractiveness of Christ can be most evident in the way we live in the hard times of life. I have so often fallen into the trap of thinking if or when I have better life circumstances, I would be able to be a better and more effective witness.

In all circumstances of life, we can be telling of the goodness of God and how He is changing our life. His greatness is truly unsearchable and there will always be new things to learn about God’s goodness and grace.

Even though this prolonged singleness isn’t what I had planned for my life, I’m continually seeing how good and faithful God has been to me. He truly has sustained me in all the ups and downs of life and He has filled my heart with a deep joy and peace. His grace has been sufficient for my every stumbling step. I have experienced His comfort to be so close. My life is filled with meaning and purpose as I long to honor the Lord with my life. God has faithfully provided for my needs, sometimes in completely unexpected ways.

The Lord is good to all who call on Him in faith.

Let me end with this question for all of us: how can we speak more often about the goodness of God in our lives?

“But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come. I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.”  -Psalm 71:14-16