A Few Words on Singleness and the Sufficiency of Jesus

I recently had the opportunity to speak to the young adults and students at my church about Singleness. It’s honestly not my favorite topic to talk about but when I was asked, I just knew it was something God wanted me to do and I’m so glad I did!

I talked about my experience as a person who’s never been married and how the Lord has been teaching me to hold both joy and sorrow in this area. I also shared what a game changer it was when I made the decision to stop defining myself by my singleness and feeling ashamed of it and instead sought to find God’s purpose for me in it. And I also challenged them to consider what singleness makes possible in their lives spiritually (in their relationship with God), personally, and relationally.

As I was preparing, I was reminded of a poem I wrote back in 2012 that has been hidden away on my computer. I wrote it to remind myself that as I hold my desire for a relationship, there will never be anyone that can live up to what Jesus has been and will be for me.

I’d never shared it with anyone outside my family, but I felt like these words are now meant for more than just me. So, I shared it with the students and young adults and I’m posting it here too for anyone else that needs a reminder that only Jesus can satisfy our heart’s greatest longings.

The Reality of You

I’ve heard it said too many times to count

It’ll happen, be patient, God will bring it about

But no one on this earth can guarantee

The things that God will or will not work out

Or whether or not God’s plan for me

Includes someone to turn my I to we

 

So then why this desire for someone by my side

If never in this life with another will my heart collide

Should I just let it go and give up on love

No, I must keep my eyes looking above

For my heart was designed to long for a love so true

And that longing can only be satisfied with the reality of You

 

For everything I want in a man

I find in You the great I Am

I long to be loved

You do so perfectly

I long to be known

You know me intimately

You don’t just listen to me talk about my day

You walk each step with me along the way

And when I long for someone to grow old with me

You remind me that you are ageless and I’m yours for eternity

 

So in this life whether or not I dress in white

I rest assured that I am a bride

And what a glorious day it soon will be

When at last my groom I finally see

 

Until then help me carry on

With hope secure in your love so strong

Ever mindful that love in this life is a worthy pursuit

As long as the idea of him doesn’t trump the reality of You

 

~Michelle Simmons

March 24, 2012