When Valentine’s Day Isn’t Picture-Perfect

by BGEA   •  

It’s not what you were hoping.

There’s no romantic dinner or surprise flowers. Instead, there’s a void mixed with a feeling of longing—and waiting.

Will he or she ever come? Or could that love be found again?

Maybe you’ve tried it all. Reconciliation with a past love or spouse. Dating apps. Consistent prayer. New hobbies as a distraction. So when Valentine’s Day hits your calendar, it’s an incredibly frustrating reminder of what you do not have, especially as you scroll through social media or hear of friends’ plans.

Billy Graham once shared this encouragement:

It’s not always easy to trace God’s designs in our ill-planned dreams. But for those who love God, all things do work together for good. Who are we to dictate which way the winds will blow, or how God will maneuver our ship through life’s storms? The psalmist wrote that God guides by His skillful hand (Psalm 78:72).

Clouds will come. They are part of life. But by God’s grace, we need not be depressed by their presence. Just as clouds can protect us from the brightness of the sun, life’s clouds can reveal the glory of God, and from their lofty height God speaks to us. Like the children of Israel, we are travelers to the Promised Land. As they traveled through the wilderness, the Bible says that the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them in the way (Exodus 13:21).

When our lives seem to crumble and life is dismal and gloomy, we must look up, beyond the clouds, and know that Christ can turn those dark clouds inside out. Many may be discouraged because of things they can’t overcome. Sin also can hang over us like a cloud, causing turmoil and despair. When faced with the clouds of defeat, we need to open our hearts and let Christ take the clouds away and restore our hope in Him.

So if you’re left feeling behind or forgotten today, remember you have a heavenly Father who loves you with an everlasting love. God’s love is not based on making a connection, a chiseled body or what you can do for Him.

It’s a gift.

Even if it’s not tangible or found in a feeling, it’s the truth. Scripture unwraps it for you: Jesus is all you need (Psalm 23), He sees you (Genesis 16:13) and you can have a life of abundance with Him (John 10:10).

After all, “Love—true love—isn’t just an emotional feeling; it is also an act of the will, in which we decide to put others and their needs ahead of ourselves,” Billy Graham said.

“In other words, true love sometimes involves sacrifice on our part. This is the kind of love Christ has for us—a love so deep that He was willing to give His life for our salvation. The Bible says, ‘Love is patient, love is kind. … It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered’ (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).”

And while there’s no manual to finding love, take a look back at some answers from Billy Graham to others who had similar questions. No matter what your circumstances, Jesus is with you and He is for you.

For Singles

For Those Unhappily Married

For Those Headed Toward Divorce

For the Divorced

For the Widows/Widowers