I have two dear sisters who are in their early forties and have never been married. They live together and strive for a measure of happiness and belonging, but nothing can wipe away their deep yearning for a companion of the heart with whom they can share their lives.

Whether you are a member of a church or not, you likely find that sometimes it is even difficult to go to church because there are so many families—indeed perhaps at times it even might seem that God is a God of families, not of singles.

But there is nothing further from the truth. God loves you. You are His child. Whether married or single, you are His and He knows you.

Show Him that you know Him by being constant in prayer, scripture study and keeping the commandments. Always remember that He will give you the guidance and support you need if you will invite Him into your life. Make God your constant Companion—include Him in your decision making, and in all that you do. When you feel discouraged and your loneliness rings like a bell in your heart, pray. The Book of Mormon prophet Zenos declared, “And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity” (http://scriptures.lds.org/alma/33/11#11 Alma 33:11.)

Though it hardly repairs the ache of loneliness altogether, President Gordon B. Hinckley, former President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints said:

“I believe that for most of us the best medicine for loneliness is work and service in behalf of others. I do not minimize your problems, but I do not hesitate to say that there are many others whose problems are more serious than yours. Reach out to serve them, to help them, to encourage them. There are so many boys and girls who fail in school for want of a little personal attention and encouragement. There are so many elderly people who live in misery and loneliness and fear for whom a simple conversation would bring a measure of hope and brightness” (“A Conversation with Single Adults,” Liahona, Nov. 1997, 20.)

Being single does not mean you have to put off being happy. As President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) once said: “Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you, but on what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life” (“A Sure Trumpet Sound: Quotations from President Lee,” Ensign, Feb. 1974, 78.)

Though you still have to go home alone, the service you can provide by bringing much-needed strength to family members and others by providing love and acceptance to nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters, and others, is immeasurable. Very often single people can have a great impact because they can say things that parents cannot say to their own children. Never downplay your importance in this world because you lack a partner to share it with.

God has a plan for you. He loves you. If you will pray often and make Him your Companion, He will strengthen you in your weakness and comfort you in your loneliness. Serve with a willing heart and He will use you to perform great works–your heart can be full and you may yet find a measure of that happiness you seek.

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