Dating

"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." ~Song of Songs 3:5

Within each of us is a desire to be known and loved. Maybe that's why we take to heart the words of Genesis 2:18, "It's not good...to be alone." Being alone can be very hard, and it's natural to want a relationship so we have companionship. The danger comes when our desire to escape being alone turns into an expectation or agenda. You can be easily disappointed if God doesn't seem to follow your plans.

The world may tell you that you're somehow incomplete if you're single, especially if you're not in a romantic relationship at all. God tells you you're complete if you have HIM. You may know that intellectually, but how do you truly accept that and live as if you're whole, regardless of whether or not you're in a relationship?

1) Remember that not all relationships are blissful-and some are downright painful. Singleness isn't just an escape route from a bad relationship or a waiting period between relationships. As many women would attest, it's better to be single than to be in a bad relationship.
2) Consider some of the benefits of being single. Read 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 and ask God to show you what's good about your station in life.
3) As the old saying goes, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." Explore whats good about your side of the fence. Contentment is the way to start exploring your territory. As Paul says, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether leiving in plenty or in want (Phillipians 4:12). He might have added "whether single or married!"
4) Remind yourself of the truth about God's love for you. As Psalm 84:11 says, "No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." In other words, if you're his child, he wont withhold anything from you that you need.
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Women spend alot of time, energy and money trying to make a relationship happen. We agonize over the perfect outfit that will get his attention. We spend hours talking with our girlfriends, analyzing his every word and action and spinning ideas for how to keep the relationship going. We flirt, tease, and manipulate in order to catch his interest. We're afraid we might miss him if we're not paying attention. Are we going about this all wrong? God tells us to quit trying so hard and wait for God to stir the waters of love at the right time and in the right place.