Love

Love. This inexplicable thing that each of us craves so intensely. We all want to be loved in one way or another. By our families, by our friends, and especially by a significant other. We desire this so fiercely that we tend to look for our worth in the people that surround us. We seek their approval in all of our actions and we change ourselves to be more like what they want. But, my friends, it is not the opinion of others that matters, or even our own opinions. Our worth, all that we are, is found in the redeeming love of Christ. His death gives us life. His sacrifice gives ME worth. Taking his free gift causes our lives to change drastically in the best possible way.

I’m not sure how it is for guys, but for girls we spend so much time dreaming about having a boyfriend and becoming a wife and mom. It’s basically the core of our everyday thoughts. But I don’t see that as a problem because from what I’ve read in the Bible, women were created to be a companion to (a) man. We were created from man, and for man. Not to be abused or used or mishandled or dominated, but to be loved, cherished, and LEAD by a man. More specifically, a husband. I just recently finished the book “Let Me Be a Woman” by Elizabeth Elliot and it was truly insightful and in a way, life changing. I highly recommend this book to all people, men and women. At its heart, Elizabeth is describing that singleness, being in a relationship, and marriage are all gifts. God has such a uniquely wonderful purpose for each of us that we should just accept where we are in life and trust him.

This is easier said than done, I am aware. When I look at my life as a single eighteen year old I can look at it two ways. Either the sad-lonely-single-and-bitter way, OR the trusting-peaceful-contented way. This time in my life is a gift and until I am content with that, I don’t think God is going to bring someone into my life. Until just me and God is enough, I truly believe I will remain single. And for all I know I could be single for the rest of my life if that is God’s will. The peace I feel knowing God is in control is ridiculous. It’s also scary because as I look around, my friends are starting to move on with their lives. Boyfriends and fiance’s and husbands, and I’m just here. The bridesmaid and shoulder to cry on. I am learning to appreciate it, to love the fact that people trust me with their problems and with their exciting news. That more often then not, I’ll get a text or call from a friend and she’s breathless with joy over something amazing that just happened for her. God moves and works in mysterious ways and I am so blessed by him.

I guess my point in all this rambling is that my worth is in God. My life is in his hands. And I will struggle everyday to have that peaceful trusting contentedness that I so eagerly want. Who do you find your worth in?

Ps. 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act