Before I became a full-time writer, I was an auditor. As part of my job, I often had to travel alone, sometimes to remote locations. This included assignments where I would be away from my home in the city. I usually enjoyed these trips — being free to travel is one of the perks I enjoyed about being single.
There was one occasion, however, that sparked a moment of sadness related to my singledom. I was on my way back from an assignment and on the train ride back home, I noticed that almost all the young women on the train were carrying flowers. It was then that I remembered it was Valentine’s Day!
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While other women had boyfriends or spouses potentially planning something special for them, there I was instead, carrying my heavy luggage and work papers by myself. I couldn’t help but feel out of place for not having a significant other. I envied those women who had someone to give them flowers, chocolates and other gifts. I felt sad and alone.
Whenever I look back at that occasion, I think of other single people like me who may have felt inadequate just because of their relationship status.
How do we overcome this insecurity, or even jealousy, that we don’t have the kind of love other people have?
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In seeking God’s answers through the years, I found comfort in reading Bible verses that allowed me to see God’s plan for single people like me. Here are some Bible verses that can help you find purpose and strength each day:
“Do not fear, you shall not be put to shame; do not be discouraged, you shall not be disgraced… For your husband is your Maker; the LORD of hosts is his name…” (Isaiah 54:4-5)
This Bible verse gave me so much comfort by letting me know that even if I don’t have an earthly husband, I am not alone.
Being single doesn’t mean that we should live without love. God has not abandoned us, and he is the one who can uplift us when nobody understands what we’re going through.
“A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whomever she wishes, provided that it be in the Lord. She is more blessed, though, in my opinion, if she remains as she is…” (1 Corinthians 7:39-40)
In the above verse, St. Paul thinks that a widow would be more blessed if she remains as she is (a single person).
The opinions of others can make us feel as though we’re on the wrong path. But these verses specifically say that we should consider ourselves “blessed.” In fact, the widow would be “more blessed” by remaining single instead of marrying again.
This comforted me because instead of listening to the expectations and judgments of others, I could focus on creating a great life for myself. I don’t have to be insecure about the blessings of other people because I am blessed in my life as a single person!
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“I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is anxious about the things of the world…” (1 Corinthians 7:32:34)
Due to peer pressure, I used to feel anxious about not getting married. However, reading the above verses made me realize that I was being anxious about the wrong things.
I must begin to see that being single is actually sparing me from other concerns such as managing the household, thinking about my children’s education, paying the mortgage and fulfilling other parental and marital responsibilities. Each life phase comes with different stressors, and this Bible verse helps me to embrace my current stage.
“Raise a glad cry, you barren one who never bore a child, break forth in jubilant song, you who have never been in labor, For more numerous are the children of the deserted wife than the children of her who has a husband, says the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:1)
The fear of never having children can cause deep sorrow and even shame for singles like me.
God comforted me, however, when I read these verses. While having children is a precious gift, whoever said that God can’t bestow us other gifts that are just as precious?
If we remain faithful, will he not give us so much more? Many single people become teachers or mentors, guiding people to the right path. In this way, we can still have spiritual children. We can be fruitful in our single lives.
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“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
Not having those flowers on Valentine’s Day made me feel like I wasn’t special enough. These verses, however, let me know that I am seen, that someone knows my name!
Single people should know that they are more special than they could ever imagine.
When I learned how much God loves me, I knew I was more than just a face in the crowd. He looks at me and loves me with a love that can never be compared to anything else in the world.
“My lover speaks and says to me, ‘Arise, my friend, my beautiful one, and come!’” (Song of Songs 2:10)
I may not have verbalized it to people, but deep inside, I longed to hear that I was beautiful. I imagine single men must also yearn for someone to appreciate them and make them feel respected and loved.
It is different when you are loved as a friend or a neighbor. We all want someone to see us for who we are and love us.
Thankfully, God can see us that way. And through these Bible verses, I received the words my heart had been craving to hear.
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God has a plan for us, and we are all special in his eyes. You have someone who sees you night and day. He sees right through your heart!
Whenever your strength fails, turn to God at once and find your strength in him. Whenever you feel lost, know that God has a plan for you. He cares about every little detail in your life. Let knowing and loving him be the constant purpose that inspires you each day.
Fix your gaze upon him and remember that you are seen, you are loved, and you are never alone.
