Contentment

[theFijian]

'I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want' - Philipians 4:12

Do people out there find it hard to be content with the single status? To what extent do you think this verse teaches us to be patient when looking for a patner?

Your thoughts much appreciated.

in Christ
Andy

 

[sparrow1029]

You, know, this sounds strange, but up until about a year ago I clung to singleness with all my might because I feared marriage. So, even though I was in a season of singleness, and happy about the fact, my motives were not good because they were based on fear. Then, God did some massive work in my life, and I began to see that, whether single or married, the important thing was that I remain in His will, and trust that whatever path He leads me down, it will be the best one because He is with me. Right now, I am so perfectly content to be single, and I still feel just a little trepidation about the idea of a romantic relationship, but if God were to bring about changes I would be willing to obey Him.

 

[Misnomer]

I never wanted to get married until recently. I just never had the real desire and I didn't care whether I ever did or not but now I would really like to get in a relationship that would lead to marriage. I think that I am pretty ready but I'm content with being single for the most part. And I could never do the pursuing so until the right guy comes along and pursues me I'll be happy and single.

 

[eutychus37]

That's such a great verse to apply to singleness. Unfortunately, I'm not discontent for the main reason that I'm not ready to marry, and I don't even know if God wants me to marry in the future.

The aforementioned verse reminds me of Prov. 21:1, and how God is in control of my life, so I might as well be content with how He's guiding me. Otherwise, I'd just be asking for stress and Zoloft (tehe).

Sidenote: Cheers, Misnomer, for your stance on waiting to be pursued.

 

[ummidrinkcherrycoke]

I would be content with being single If I knew it would one day end. I'd be content while single now If I knew that I would be content and married later on. But the fear of being alone forever leaves me in a state of discontentment.

 

[stubbornkelly]

I'm completely content with being single. And I think Philippians 4:12 is a great verse to help people who are not.

 

[Blessed-one]

i'm not sure whether i'm contented, but i'm not worried about whether i'll end up getting married or being single.

um... it just never crosses my mind much.

 

[msjones21]

But the fear of being alone forever leaves me in a state of discontentment.

I recently did a Bible study on worry and fear and I have two verses for you to apply to your fear of being alone, undermy:

1 John 4:16
We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

I always feared that if I became content with my singleness, God would never put His chosen partner for me in my life.. I am no longer afraid of being single forever because God loves me far more than any human being can and He will always be with me. Just remember, undermy, fear is not of God. God does not cause us to be afraid. That is satan getting into your mind and planting seeds of doubt. Just say "get behind me satan!" and then pray that God will strengthen you.

 

[wvmtnkid]

Let's just say that some day's I am more content than others!

Some days I am glad to be single because I think of all the things I get to do that I don't have to worry about a husband and children. If I want to go visit a friend, I go. I don't have to worry about what's for supper. Then there are days that I feel the emptiness of not having a husband and children. But the verse says "in ALL circumstances". So what I have to do is ask the Lord to help me find and feel contentment on those days that I don't. And I have to trust that He has a plan for me. Whether that involves MY heart's desire, I don't know. But I have to accept HIS desire for my life will be much better then mine every time.

 

[ummidrinkcherrycoke]

Let's just say that some day's I am more content than others!

I couldnt agree more. For me it's definatly a day to day thing. It's like the whole 'grass is greener on the other side' thing. When I was in a relationship there were days when I felt like I wanted to be single. Now that I'm single, Theres days when I wish I had someone. But being single definitly has its benefits.

 

[Living4Him03]

I'm completely content with being single. And I think Philippians 4:12 is a great verse to help people who are not.

Okie dokie, now I found out stubbornkelly's marital status. I was just wondering cuz you are so wise and I thought well maybe she is married and that's why she knows all this lol.