Life can leave its mark. Even during happy times. there are so many parts of us that are broken, scarred or even forgotten. These parts of us eventually form into a giant mass of anxiety, worry and fear, which can lead to some tricky territory when trying to meet “The One.” So, how do we start overcoming dating anxiety?
Expect Less Of Others
Stop expecting that dating the right person will erase your anxiety and fear. Each person you meet is just a human being; no person is capable of being a cure-all for your insecurities. Overcoming anxiety starts with you and God, not with external validation.
Ask yourself, “Am I trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? If I were only trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
We need to stop this cycle. We simply can’t expect humans to fill the voids we’re missing or desire; that’s leaving room for dating anxiety. Anxiety is very good at creeping into moments we feel like we’re missing something. It makes us feel as though we need someone’s approval to finally be worth something and to be rid of the dreadful anxiety we had without them. But that’s not possible, so you need to place your focus elsewhere if you want to fill that void in your life.
Expect More From God
By turning our gaze on the Father and what He needs from us, we begin to see that all along, it’s God who can help us with overcoming dating anxiety and becoming complete – not whoever our soulmate may be.
God is forming you into who you are meant to become, and that can be a difficult, anxiety-inducing process. But by reading the Bible, praying and having faith, we can slowly ease that anxiety and find fulfillment through Him.
Anxiety is not a root of the Father; it’s a root of the enemy. The enemy desires that we be so filled with anxiety that it impairs us from the will of the Father. That includes walking into what He has for us, even a marriage that could be so holy, sacred, and glorious to the Father. That’s the purpose of dating, after all.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” —Romans 8:28
Remember His Love For You
Overcoming dating anxiety isn’t always easy, but for a believer, the path is clear. The fact that Jesus is so wildly in love with us constitutes the truth that we don’t need to worry about a single thing, even dating and who we’ll share our life with. Dating stress is nothing in the face of His glory.
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” —Matthew 6:27-30
A Prayer For Those Facing Dating Anxiety
I pray that anyone struggling with dating anxiety experiences the lavish, vast and deep love of the Father. Know how deeply called you are to the Holy Father, and how He desires to give you more than you ever dreamed of.
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