It is that time of year again – roses, flowers, and hearts are everywhere – people are stressing out trying to plan the perfect night. Valentine's Day is here. For those happily in love, Valentine's Day can be a nice time to spend time focusing on the relationship. For others, it is a stressful time because either their relationship is a mess, they are haunted by past mistakes or they have yet to find a guy who will truly appreciate them. To all the single girls out there who have been hurt by a relationship, who have made a mistake in the past that is hard to let go of, or who are still waiting for the right guy to come into your life, remember this; you are very loved.

You are loved by an amazing God. You are loved by all those people around you who are an important part of your life. Being in a relationship is not what defines you. Your worth is not found in the guy you are with. Your worth is not found in sex. Your worth is not found simply by being in a relationship. I say this because I've been there. I have been single and frustrated...waiting for someone to notice me...waiting to find someone to love. I have made mistakes in relationships. I have ugly scars from my past, and those are hard. However, they do not define me.

That is the amazing thing about God and his love. His love covers all. His love, grace, and forgiveness covers our past. His love and grace bring fulfillment and joy in the present. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV). God has a plan for our future, because he loves us.

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a sad reminder that you do not have a special someone in your life. Let it instead be a reminder that you are loved by God. Let it be a reminder that He has beautiful and perfect plans for your life and that you can trust him with the future. In the present, joy and fulfillment only can come from God. When it comes to relationships, looking in other places for that will only create more hurt and confusion. Even though it is difficult, it is worth waiting to discover God's plan for your future, and to live his plan in the now. It might take some work and a change of perspective, but do not forget that you are loved. Do not forget to trust God. Let him use you in amazing ways during your singleness, and trust Him with your future!