Waiting can be difficult because it is the season of life when we feel pressured on all sides and the truth about waiting is that, it is the season of self-discovery. In Psalms 37: 7 David writes, “Be still before the lord, fret not yourself over the man who frets in his ways, over the man who carries out evil devices”. Life in the gap can be hard my dear singles. When our eyes are fixed around us we see what is not happening in our lives right now. It can be discouraging. But a deeper look at the reason for our worry shows that certain patterns make the waiting season even harder. Let’s consider these factors that are standing against our peace and joy as singles in the 21st century.

Unrealistic expectations: One of the greatest reasons we sense disappointment and discomfort in our waiting season is our unrealistic expectations. Instead of fixing our eyes on Jesus, we fix our hope on our dreams, education, skills and desires. We make our goals the measure of our happiness. We refuse to find happiness until we find the dream job, a wife, a husband; we refuse to find joy until we get so much money in our bank accounts. But all of these dreams may not come at our timing. In Psalm 62:1 we are reminded that our expectations should rest in God alone. He alone is our hope and our joy. If you are constantly disappointed as a Christian, could it be that you have developed some unrealistic and perhaps ungodly expectations? Why don’t you let go and let God?

Unfair comparisons: Nothing sends you to an early grave like comparing your life to someone else. We often forget that when we look at someone’s story we might be comparing the middle of our story to the end of theirs. If you find yourself bored or worried in your waiting season, resist the temptation to look at what everyone else is doing and fix your eyes on God’s promises. For comparison is the thief of joy.

Unrealistic desires: Waiting is about gaining control of our life’s outcomes. The struggle is usually between our desires for ourselves and God’s will for us. Until we learn to yield all of our desires to God and totally trust his goodness to provide what we need and when we need it, we will continue to find the waiting season difficult. The good news is that once we surrender our desires on the altar; we will surely find peace and freedom.

Unnoticed blessings: Gratitude is the attitude that makes life worth living. If you are finding yourself frustrated in your waiting season, it might be that you haven’t noticed your blessings. They are things we take for granted such as the rising sun, the oxygen, our health, our daily providence etc. Let us remain thankful for answers to our daily prayers and divine appointments. Finally, in Isaiah 30:15 God promises that in returning and rest we will be saved, in quietness and in trust will be our strength. Finding joy and peace in the waiting starts when we choose to rest in the lord no matter what comes our way.

Shalom!