As I scrolled through my friends’ wedding photos online, I saw all the signs of a beautiful couple. Her green eyes and brown hair highlighted her pretty face. He looked dapper in his grey suit.

In this moment, I was genuinely happy for my friends. But I couldn't enjoy the happiness. While I was glad they were together, seeing the excitement on their faces left me feeling discouraged and disappointed.  

You see, my friends made marrying the love of your life look easy; their lives seemingly united without even trying. But as I Iooked at their pictures, I couldn't understand why it had been so hard for me to find someone. I almost felt like I should give up altogether, as if I was doomed to be unwillingly single forever. Discouragement sapped my hope and turned even my happiness for my friends into deep sadness.

Can you relate? Maybe you felt envious while serving as a bridesmaid for the umpteenth time. Maybe you sighed with discouragement as you put on a suit to attend your cousin's wedding. Maybe you felt wistful while you fell asleep dreaming of having someone to hold.

If you've spent more than a short period of time wanting to be married—and haven't seen this desire pan out—then you're probably familiar with these feelings of discouragement. It can make you feel like finding a spouse is hopeless. And it can make you want to give up looking for someone.

But in these moments, it's important to remember the truths revealed in Scripture. If you feel discouraged by persistent singleness today, you can meditate on these four Bible verses for hope and perseverance:

1. Psalm 34:118 (GNTD)
   The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope.
2. Psalm 42:5 (GNTD)
   Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.
3. Romans 5:4 (GNTD)
   Endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.
4. Joshua 1:9b (GNTD)
   Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.