Finding Satisfaction in Singleness: Trusting God's Timing and Embracing His Purpose

The Most Satisfying Single Years

Written by John Piper

Imagine being saved by Jesus at the age of fifteen, just weeks after a breakup with your fourth serious girlfriend. Yes, four girlfriends before even being able to drive. That's the story of my life, a journey through dating that was filled with more mistakes than successes, hurting many wonderful Christian girls along the way. It's safe to say that my experiences in dating brought about impatience, disappointment, temptation, and regret. Singleness became a daily reminder of unfulfilled desires for marriage, the shame of failed relationships, and my struggle to trust God and wait on Him.

Singleness felt lonely, as if I was waiting for someone to come into my life and never leave again. It felt incomplete, with a massive, glaring hole that seemed to taunt me every time I looked in the mirror. Singleness felt like a constant reminder of my brokenness and the ache for companionship.

Navigating the Single Years

As I journeyed through my single years, I discovered that there is a way to find satisfaction even in the midst of singleness. It's not an easy path, but it is a path that is worth taking. Here are a few key insights I gained along the way:

1. Trusting God's Timing

One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was to trust in God's timing for my life. The Bible teaches us that God has a plan for each of us, including our relationships. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." This verse reminds us that God's plans are good and trustworthy, even when we can't see the bigger picture.

Trusting God's timing means surrendering our desires and plans to Him. It means acknowledging that His ways are higher than our ways and that He knows what is best for us. It's not always easy to wait, but when we trust in God's timing, we can find peace and contentment in our singleness.

2. Embracing God's Purpose

Instead of viewing singleness as a time of waiting or incompleteness, we can choose to see it as a season of purpose. In 1 Corinthians 7:7, the apostle Paul writes, "I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another." Paul recognized that singleness can be a gift from God, a time to focus on serving Him wholeheartedly.

During my single years, I discovered the joy of using my time, talents, and resources for God's kingdom. I had the freedom to invest in relationships, ministry, and personal growth in ways that may not have been possible if I were married. Embracing God's purpose in singleness allowed me to find fulfillment and satisfaction in serving Him.

3. Cultivating Contentment

Contentment is a virtue that is often lacking in our society, especially when it comes to relationships. We are bombarded with messages that tell us we need a romantic partner to be happy and fulfilled. However, the Bible teaches us that true contentment comes from a deep relationship with God.

In Philippians 4:11-13, the apostle Paul writes, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Paul's words remind us that contentment is not dependent on our circumstances, but on our relationship with Christ. When we cultivate contentment, we can find joy and satisfaction in any season of life, including singleness.

Conclusion

Singleness can be a challenging and sometimes painful season of life. However, it can also be a time of incredible growth, purpose, and satisfaction. By trusting in God's timing, embracing His purpose, and cultivating contentment, we can navigate the single years with joy and fulfillment.

Remember, the most satisfying years of your life are not determined by your relationship status, but by your relationship with God. Seek Him, trust Him, and embrace His plan for your life. In doing so, you will find that singleness can be a season of great satisfaction and fulfillment.