Singles, we don’t always have someone to talk to, so we talk to ourselves a lot! Sometimes, without even really realizing it. Let’s be careful: what we tell ourselves can have a great influence on our faith.
Hebrews 11.1 (WEB) tells us that “faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.” Having faith is to be convinced that we already have the answer to our prayer, even if what our eyes see tells us the opposite. Obviously, our prayer must be done in His will (1 John 5. 14-15), and if we want to get married, God certainly isn’t against marriage!
But to be convinced that God answers our prayer, we must keep our thoughts on a leash, because they can easily wander in the wrong direction. Have you ever been caught up in a depressing spiral? It all starts with one: “I left her my phone number and she did not call me back.” And this thought becomes: “No one ever calls me.” Then this thought turns into: “I’m a desperate case, nobody will ever want me.” And the chain can grow to become really unbearable.
If we bring these thoughts to God, He would certainly ask us a question similar to the one He asked Adam in Genesis 3:11. “But who told you that you were a desperate case?” When our thoughts lead us into despair, this is an excellent question to ask ourselves, where do these thoughts come from? Is this what God says about you in His Word? If not, shake yourself and talk to your soul, like David did. “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him: my Savior, my helper, and my God.” (Psalms 43.5 WEB)
It is important to stop and analyze our thoughts because if we let them take root in our heart, they can poison us and lead us to sin (Mark 7: 21-23). We must do this exercise especially when we are single because no one else hears our thoughts. No one can stop us by pointing out that we are exaggerating or slipping into nonsense. When the thread of your thoughts leads you to fear, anguish, into sorrow or despair, recognize it and immediately put on the brakes, because these thoughts do not come from God. Remember that your declarations are powerful, and if your thoughts lead you to say defeatist words, you will have defeat. Moreover, a negative person is never attractive!
So pass your thoughts under the filter of Philippians 4.8 (WEB). “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.” This is a useful exercise when you are single, but it will continue to help you when you are married. Practice now!
Instead of letting your thoughts escalate in the wrong direction, force them into a direction full of faith. “The girl did not return my call.” You could easily let yourself go in the wrong direction but smile and slap the enemy in the face by proclaiming the opposite. “It’s surprising that she didn’t because I am such a wonderful man!” And continue… “Soon there will be an amazing woman who will ask me where I’ve been for all these years!” Do not stop there… “And we’re going to get married, have fifteen children…” When your line of thoughts ends in a laugh, you will know that you will have won the battle.
God has given you authority over your thoughts, use it and always remain in faith!