Loneliness Is Not Your Story! The Lord’s Heart Beats for You
Several years ago on Valentine’s Day, a friend of mine spent the evening in an In-N-Out parking lot, because she had nowhere else to go.
She was single at the time, but her sister, who lived with her, was not and wanted to have a private dinner with her boyfriend at the house. So my friend sat in her car in a parking lot and watched a movie on her laptop and felt rather sorry for herself.
But this year is different. My friend is happily dating a wonderful guy, and he’s flying out to see her this weekend so they can spend Valentine’s Day together. God is doing for my friend what He said He would do.
Beloved child of God, you may be alone right now, but this is not the end of your story.
Let your heart take courage (Ps. 31:24), and listen to God as He tells you about the good things He has for you.
Valentine’s Day can create a variety of emotions for those who are single or in unsatisfying relationships. Many people struggle with loneliness, distress, disappointment, and even heartache this time of year. Or they might react in denial or anger.
But one important part of getting healthy and being prepared for your future marriage is learning how to think well, according to the truth of God.
No matter how you might feel, there is a bigger truth. Your feelings are important, of course, but Someone wants to talk to you and let you know how loved you are. There is Someone who wants you to know that you are cherished and adored. That Person is Jesus, and your relationship with Him is the primary relationship of your life.
Marriage is important and enjoyable, but it is also temporary (Matt. 22:30). Your relationship with Jesus is not temporary. When the relationships in your life are properly arranged, with Jesus coming first, you will feel loved even when you’re alone, and you will have great hope for your future.
February 14 commemorates a man who fought for the truth of God concerning relationships.
Emperor Claudius wanted his soldiers to be “unattached,” as he believed they fought better when they didn’t have to worry about their families. So he passed an edict that banned the marriage of young people.
Valentine, a Roman priest, believed in marriage and the calling of God, and he continued to perform marriages until he was discovered, arrested, and sentenced to death. Valentine’s Day is a quiet, precious remembrance of a man who stood up for what he believed about God and relationships.
At Becoming the One, we echo Valentine’s beliefs every day. We believe in marriage and what God is saying about marriage. We’re all about healthy relationships that lead to beautiful marriage covenants ordained by God.
What does this mean for you?
The Lord has not forgotten you. He knows what your heart longs for, and He knows the abundant life found in fulfilled desires. But He also wants you to know this Valentine’s Day that He is pursuing you.
In His eyes, you are beautiful (Song 1:15).
Because of Jesus, you are completely pure in God (Col. 1:22).
You are perfect to Him and without flaw in His sight (Eph. 5:27).
If you’re feeling lonely, a little discouraged, or disappointed, I encourage you to create an atmosphere that won’t allow the loneliness to settle deep into your heart.
Remind yourself that you are loved. Purely. Thoroughly. Just as you are.
Every day this week, intentionally connect with Jesus’ awesome love for you. May you wake up in the morning and know you are loved, that you are beautiful to God, that He has incredible gifts waiting for you, and that He is a good Father who has your best interest in mind.
The Lord is doing amazing things in your heart so you will know what true love is.
When you know the Lord intimately and put Him first in your life, before any other relationship, you’ll be able to love freely. That is one of the surprising, incredible things about relationship with God. His love allows us to love others.
Focus on His love. This will enable you to have a godly relationship that honors Him—and also honors you, because that’s what He wants: for you to be honored and cherished. He will provide the marriage you’re praying and hoping for. At BTO we’ve seen this happen over and over.
When we know Jesus loves us—if we open the door and let all His love into our heart—He transforms us in such a way that we are not the people we were in the past. We are brand new, and the light of God fills us. This allows us to give His love to our future spouse and to everyone else He puts in our life.
Let him smother me with kisses—his Spirit-kiss divine.
So kind are your caresses,
I drink them in like the sweetest wine! (Song 1:2 TPT)
If you feel alone this Valentine’s Day, understand there’s a bigger truth. You may be single, but you are not alone, and God has good things stored up for your future. Those good things are coming.
Your heavenly Father loves you more than you realize. Other articles from Salomé Roat and Becoming the One:
For more information on sex, marriage, and finding the person who is right for you, get a copy of Becoming the One by Salomé Roat. Click here to learn more. The book is also available in Spanish.