"If you are
single, then you are alone."This is the common logic that gets perpetuated around this time of the year, yet it is a sweepingly false conclusion. In fact, if we follow this same logic in any other context, it seems absolutely ridiculous!
For example:
"If you don't have Netflix, then you don't watch movies."
"If you are a vegetarian, then you are starving."
See how ridiculous this logic is?
If you don't have Netflix, then you can always go to a movie theater or pop in a DVD to see a movie. If you're a vegetarian, then you know there is a myriad of other things to eat besides meat. You don't need to eat meat in order to feel full! If you don't gain sustenance from one particular thing, it doesn't mean you lack any sustenance whatsoever.
We may have a certain relationship status for a season,
but we are never alone - that fact remains.
but we are never alone - that fact remains.
We have family, friends, mentors, church community, and most importantly: God. Even if your family life is less than perfect or you are currently struggling to develop community, Christ promises to always be with you (Matthew 28:20). Even more loyal than a friend, Jesus promises to stick closer to you than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). He even gives His Holy Spirit inside of you as evidence that you are His (Hebrews 10:15). Though parents may fail us, God loves us unconditionally (1 Kings 8:23). Though some may be weathering through a season of breakup, God demonstrates to us perfect faithfulness and will never abandon us (Deuteronomy 31:6). As humans, we are imperfect. We fail those around us, just as others will inevitably fail us. Nevertheless, God is constant - He never changes! He always pursues His children, never withdrawing from them or withholding His love from those who turn to Him.
The main issue for a single woman on February 14th
is not how she spends her day,
but what she tells herself throughout the day.
is not how she spends her day,
but what she tells herself throughout the day.
Those quiet moments of the day are when we whisper to ourselves thoughts that reinforce truth or feed temptation. They are moments where we can plant seeds of truth from God's Word, affirm them in our lives and receive the assurance of God's love in our spirit; or, they are moments where we indulge temptations of self-pity and envy, growing weeds that choke out the life in us.
The "lie of lack" = the penetrating belief of one's inadequacy that accompanies envy
It is tempting to look around on Valentine's, see exchanges of gifts, and feed the "lie of lack." If we can recognize this lie for what it is, then we can see past the stuffed bears, candy, and flowers to see an even greater gift God sets before us: His Son, Jesus. Our God and Father left the comfort and perfection of heaven to come down to earth in the form of weak human skin to be with us. Though not simply to live with us, but to stand in our place on death row - to die on the cross that should have been ours - and rise again, putting the evil one to utter shame. It takes God's reminding and us turning to look at Him to constantly draw from His love in the midst of the world around us.
If, for a time, we are not feeling God's great love for us, we can:
- Open up His love letter - His Word. We can read Romans 8:28 or Proverbs 20:29 and be reminded that God uses each season of our lives intentionally, for our good and for His glory.
- Pray in the form of praise, thanking God for demonstrating steadfast love to His people, even though we are undeserving of it. As we draw near to God, He draws near to us (James 4:8). Knowing this, we can pray for God to draw us near, then praise Him for doing it. As we praise God regularly, intentionally, and sincerely, our intimacy grows with Him and we can truly feel His love throughout the day.
- Reach out to Christian community. God never meant for us to live the Christian life on our own! His Word continually asserts that we can best walk with Christ in community, encouraging and empathizing with one another, keeping accountability, and bearing one another's burdens. (Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:4; Romans 12:4; Hebrews 10:23-25).
The love of God fuels our love for others.
The response that completes our God-given love is, in turn, showing love to others. When we remember His grace, God increases our capacity to show grace to others, even when we expect nothing in return. When we remember His sacrifice, God empowers us to go the extra mile to show our love to those around us. On this Valentine's Day, we have the opportunity to feel and express God's love more deeply and profoundly than ever before by drawing near to Him and intentionally sharing His love with others.
"By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life."
-Psalm 42:8
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life."
-Psalm 42:8
Verses Referenced
- Matthew 28:20
- Proverbs 18:24
- 1 Kings 8:23
- Hebrews 10:15
- Deuteronomy 31:6
- Romans 8:28
- Proverbs 20:29
Songs to supplement praise
Feel free to use these songs for encouragement throughout the day. You can play them in the background as reminders of God's love, or read the lyrics and praise God for His nearness to you.
