Editor's note: Enjoy today's devotion written for Devotionals Daily by Christian Bevere, author of Future Husband, Present Prayers.
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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. — Philippians 4:11–13
It’s funny that content and contend are nearly the same word. Some may think being content in singleness is an effortless, easy air you put on, but I believe contentedness is something you contend for — you roll up your sleeves and you say: No one is raining on my parade today! It’s a lot easier to point the finger at something — to blame the apps, curse the bad dates, and wonder if your soulmate got lost somewhere because of this generation’s poor communication style or because another girl “snagged him first” — but we don’t find contentedness or clarity by assigning blame; we find it by contending for what we’re hoping to find.
Living contently is living in the blessing of hope and casting off the worry of the future.
Waiting well doesn’t just happen. Doing anything well, especially something we don’t want to do, requires diligence. It doesn’t just happen, not even for the sweetest, most faithful Christians. Loving and trusting Jesus is essential, yes — but it’s just the beginning. Even the strongest believers have days where hope feels thin and doubt creeps in. But here’s the difference: We don’t stay there. The daily renewing of our minds and the cleansing of our hearts — pouring in truth, flushing out lies — keeps us from sinking into discouragement.
Let’s pause there. What have you told yourself or believed around waiting? Maybe some of the stories in your head sound like:
- I’m just not one of the lucky few.
- God must be punishing me.
- If only I looked like that girl, maybe I would get asked out like she does.
- I’m not finding love because I am unlovable.
Narratives like these quietly chip away at our joy, peace, and hope in seasons of waiting. They aren’t harmless passing thoughts — they are lies. Subtle, convincing lies that slip into our minds and whisper that maybe God’s goodness has an expiration date, or that His silence must mean rejection. They’re dangerous to our dating but also to our relationship with the Father. These thoughts don’t draw us closer to God — they push us into striving, comparison, and self-doubt.
This is our flesh’s attempt to gain control of the narrative by interjecting a false sense of clarity when there is uncertainty. We grasp for answers because waiting feels vulnerable, and we start to think that if we can’t find love, then we can at least find a reason for why we haven’t found love. Our minds offer up counterfeit reasons that feel like protection but are counterproductive.
But we do not need a solution in a season of waiting; we need refreshing! This is a time to let your roots go deeper in God’s presence and to remind your heart that waiting is not a punishment — it’s a place where faith matures. It’s where God tenderly refines, not because you’re broken or behind, but because He’s growing something that takes time.
Control may soothe the mind, but only God’s goodness can refresh the soul.
To know how to be content, we must understand what contentment entails, or perhaps what it does not. It does not mean to smile through the pain, deny your desires, or pretend you’re pleased when you are not. Being content is being at peace, holding regard for God having you where He believes is best, and being satisfied to the point of not being swayed to settle or drawn to feeling distraught.
Waiting well doesn’t mean sitting still, doing nothing, or putting life on hold until someone shows up. It means living with purpose, passion, and faith while you wait. It’s choosing to grow emotionally, spiritually, and mentally — becoming the kind of person you hope to one day find to share your life with.
It is possible to be grateful for where you are now and expectant for where you want to be. One of the attributes I most admire about King David is his ability to recognize something stirring within his soul and supersede it through lamentation and praise with God. To be raw with where he was at, while not letting that be where he stayed.
Are you annoyed at the timeline you’re in? Address it with God.
Are you feeling low and lonely in this state? Process aloud with Him.
Are you tempted to settle? Tell God about it.
David knew that anything apart from God is not worth it, and anything with God is never as dark as we may think. He knew that this world, with all its beauty and pain alike, is not our final destination. He experienced exceptional encounters and great grief — love and family, and loss and tragedy. David went through times of abundance and times of lack, but what we see through his writing is that God is with us in both — He is our anchor and our answer!
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalm 23:6 NIV
It’s okay to admit that waiting can be hard. Especially when you’re praying faithfully, watching others step into what you hope for, and wondering when it will be your turn. God sees that. He understands the quiet ache and the whispered prayers. And even still, He invites you to find joy here — not just when the prayer is answered, but while it’s still unfolding.
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Written for Devotionals Daily by Christian Bevere, author of Future Husband, Present Prayers.
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Your Turn
If you’re a single person and don’t want to be, trust the Lord! Talk back to the lies with Scripture. God has unplumbed joy for you today. Step into it. ~ Devotionals Daily