name change

As I scroll through facebook, I notice another friend has quietly re-changed their  last name—a small gesture relating a monumental life event—one of strife, tears, a journey no one but the two of them really knows. Heartbreak, divorce.
I grimace and pray—not another marriage, lord. Help them, help them both to seek you, to see you in the dashed dreams, broken promises; the last thread torn from a long fraying relationship. Sweet Jesus, come, restore—heal broken hearts and dreams.
I know I have no idea what I’m really talking about—perpetually single, I don’t write these words flippantly, lightly, but I can’t stay silent. My heart whispers—there is always heartbreak in this life—the ultimate relationship is broken and this infects every other. This side of heaven, life will always have aches, bitter mingled with sweet reminds us to turn to Him. He is the only one who satisfies, who can fill our voids, the only “soul mate”, “the One”.

I pray for discernment and protection—that if I do get married someday that it would began to be fortified now. I need Jesus just as much today as I will on my wedding day and each day after. We need grace for the day—not matter what season. Self-reliance and pride are just as poisonous in singleness as in marriage. Commitment has to be based in contentment in Jesus. I cannot look to marriage to satisfy what only He can—companionship, acceptance, applause. I need to recognize this, find my foundation and security in this—single, married, divorced. Only he is our hope and joy. He gives us a new name.