By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  June 13, 2020

Read 1 Corinthians 7:8-24.

Society is on an unending quest for happiness. From an early age, we are trained to think, If only I had this product or that lifestyle, then I would be happy. But no matter the object of our affection, it always disappoints when we finally attain it. This is because we were made to find our joy and satisfaction in God alone. Nothing else will do.

This is true not just of material things but of people as well. If you’re single, don’t think a spouse will fulfill you. And if you’re married, don’t believe for a second that a divorce will bring you anything worth having, no matter how difficult your marriage may be at the moment. Paul himself was not married when he penned 1 Corinthians, so he could testify to the blessing of singleness. He was able to devote his life to the Lord’s service without having to provide for a wife and children. But marriage is a blessing too! God gives us spouses for our sanctification—so that we might help each other become more like Jesus by loving each other as He loves us.

When you let God take hold of your marriage or your singleness, you will be content wherever God places you in life. That is the secret to peace. If you are listening to Him and obeying Him, He will give you fulfillment in life, He will answer your prayers, and He will make you succeed and prosper when you trust and obey Him.

Prayer: Lord, take hold of my life. I trust You with my situation, remembering You have ordained it and will bring good from it. I will put my hope in You and follow Your way. Lead me, Father. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches” (1 Corinthians 7:17).