4 Steps to Dealing With Uncertainty

Posted on Monday, June 1, 2020 by Bethany - Pastoral Care Team

woman praying with Bible open

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalm 9:10 (NLT)

My husband stood in the doorway and stared at me.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I just lost my job,” he whispered.

I stared back. “What?”

“I just got an email saying they’re cutting back, effective immediately.”

In an instant, my husband and I were ripped from our moorings and tossed into a churning sea of uncertainty. Without his job, would we have to cut into our savings? How would we pay our bills?

In the Bible, God’s people faced an uncertain future. They had waited for Moses to return with instructions from God—but he hadn’t—and the mountain of God loomed above them, shrouded in heavy smoke. They had God’s promises of provision, protection, and a new, glorious land; but it appeared God had forgotten them. Where was God?

We, too, experience times when we can’t see evidence of God’s presence with us—when the future seems shrouded in smoke, and confusion chokes our faith. We, too, have God’s promises of provision. Yet, when we stand at the foot of an unknown future, we feel panic and fear. Aren’t we tempted to doubt God, just like the Israelites of the past? Some things never change, but then, neither does God.

When we don’t know what the future holds, here are four steps to overcome uncertainty:

1. Anchor in God’s unchanging character.

James 1:17 says, “…[God] never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” God is steady and reliable. Anchoring our faith in His unchanging character enables us to hold firm in the high seas of uncertainty.

2. Cling to God’s Word.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:147 continues, “…I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.”Feeding our faith with Scripture cultivates hope in hard times.

3. Claim God’s promises.

Psalm 119:140 reminds us, “Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.” Psalm 119:148 adds, “I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.” Holding the handrail of God’s promises leads us safely through life’s storms.

4. Remember God’s faithfulness.

Psalm 143:5 says, “I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.” Remembering what God has done for us in the past builds confidence for the future.

 

God knows our situation and will meet us with what’s needed for the next step when we trust Him in uncertain times. Malachi 3:6 says, “I am the Lord, and I do not change.” God was faithful then, and He’ll be faithful now. His character depends on it.

 

Reflect and Respond

1. What challenges are you facing today?

2. Which step to overcoming uncertainty is most helpful for you? How can you use it to move forward in faith today?

 

Sign me up for the 30 Days of Encouragement!

Tags
CareerAnxietyJobsUncertainty

You Might Also Like

Maverick City Music

Faith

Icing pastry sweet bonbon cotton candy jelly beans jelly

By Author Name

The Lord's Prayer

Faith

Sesame snaps candy chocolate cake candy canes candy canes topping halvah wafer

By Author

Lauren Daigle

Faith

Sweet roll topping carrot cake pastry topping pudding

By Author