How to Trust God in Times of Uncertainty

Most of us would probably agree that when there is a sense of stability and security in our lives, we have more peace of mind.  The structure of our days, the stability of our relationships and our health, and the security of our finances all go a long way toward a calm heart and mind.  Uncertainty, however, does quite the opposite...  creating worry and anxiety.  Uncertainty can overwhelm even the calmest Christian!  When anything is uncertain in our lives, we feel unsettled.  Not to mention the total lack of control we feel when the floor drops out on our perfect plans.  But we can find freedom when we choose to trust God even in the midst of uncertainty...

So how do we wholeheartedly trust God in times of uncertainty? Let's look at ways to do just that.

What does the Bible say about an Uncertain Future

As Believers in Christ, we can know that we are secure in Christ Jesus because the reality is, our own true place of security is in Him.  In our earthly life, there are no guarantees - our next meal, our next paycheck or our next heartbeat.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, 

but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Proverbs 19:21

You might be thinking, Karen, this isn't very encouraging...  But wait, even though we can never truly know what the future here on earth will bring, we know the God whose Love not only ordained the future, but He is already there.  That one key Truth is the hope that we have in the midst of uncertainty.

The following verses remind and encourage us that an uncertain future earthside is stable and secure in the Lord God.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 

plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Mark the blameless and behold the upright, 

for there is a future for the man of peace.

Psalm 37:37

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ 

or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, 

and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:31-33

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, 

“who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelations 1:8

Trusting God when the future is uncertain will come naturally when our hearts are set on the hope, peace, provision and presence of God.

How do You Face the Uncertainty of Tomorrow

The antidote for struggling with uncertainty, is to focus on our unchangeable God where all certainty dwells -- trusting Him with our whole heart in times of uncertainty.

When you struggle with uncertainty, open up His Word and be reminded of God's power, goodness, faithfulness and love.  Search out Scriptures that speak to the situation that is causing you uncertainty.

If you are uncertain about the future of a relationship, remind yourself of the certain relationship you have with Jesus...  No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you;  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

When you are uncertain about a health diagnosis remember... The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health; 

Are finances dwindling, recall that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Facing uncertainty is not easy, but when you meditate upon what is certain and true, the God of tomorrow supersedes the uncertainty of today.

Trust God with tomorrow for His mercies will be there waiting for you.

Having Faith in Uncertain Times

I don't want to devalue for a second how difficult uncertain times are and how hard it is not to be afraid in the midst of uncertainty.  What does everyone say when they are waiting for news that could turn out bad.  "I just want to know, the worst part is the waiting."  Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to wait or to rest in God until that which is uncertain becomes certain...

It is then that we run the risk of trying to be God in our own lives, manipulating a situation to force a certain outcome.

When Moses went up to the top of the mountain to talk to God and to receive the ten commandments, the Israelites grew impatient below and pressured Aaron to make a god.  So Aaron collected all the gold jewelry and gold pieces that they had, melted it down and made a golden calf.  They essentially created a "god for their uncertainty".

We have to be careful not to do the same thing...  In so doing, we could miss out on the blessing of God's nearness while we wait. 

When we are feeling afraid due to uncertainty, we must put our trust in God;  reminding ourselves over and over again that God will do what He says He will do.  We must be so saturated in Scripture that we ooze trust in God despite the uncertainty.

The Lord will do what he says. 

This is the sign from the Lord to show you:

Isaiah 38:7

God's past faithfulness will build our trust in times of uncertainty, and His plans for good and not harm will bolster our faith in the midst of our uncertainty today.

Help in times of uncertainty

There are faith exercises that we can take part in to help in times of uncertainty...

• When we experience times of uncertainty.  PRAY.  Ask the Lord for patience, wisdom and understanding as you wait.   Share with others our anxiety and struggle and ask them to pray for us as well.  Prayer is a powerful discipline to increase our trust in God when everything seems uncertain.

• The Word of God is truly a balm to the soul, especially in times of uncertainty.   The Scriptures fill our  hearts with the knowledge of Who God is and give us understanding regarding His great love for us.  Just like a small child trusts their earthly father to "make things better"; we have absolute assurance from the Scriptures that our Heavenly Father is always making things new and can redeem even uncertain times.

• Finally, we must speak Truth to our hearts.  God's promises are certain.  As we walk through uncertainty, we are to carry with us the certainty of God's fortifying promises that speak peace, be still...

So how do we trust God in times of uncertainty?  We focus on what we DO know not on what we don't.  And where does that knowledge come from?  The Word of God, which is true and trustworthy.  His Word tells us everything about God, what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do.

We may live in uncertain times, but for those who are in Christ Jesus, our future is certain and secure.  If we can trust God with our eternal future, we can certainly trust Him with our lives here on earth.

For similar posts, click on the following:

How to Foster Hope When Circumstances Disappoint

3 Biblical Encouragements for Remaining Hopeful in Hardship

Finding Contentment When Life is Hard

Do you struggle with expectations?

Believing the Unseen

The Assurance of Things Unseen

God is Still Good When Things are Bad

God's Provision When Your World is Falling Apart

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