Occasionally I enjoy reading the various predictions for the coming year. Most times things fail in coming to fruition, but at the start, negative predictions bring a deal of anxiety. The start of 2023 portends much uncertainty in just about every sector. From geo-political to finance and the economy, instability and uncertainty loom large. Join me this week for 4 ways to trust God in uncertainty.
Trusting God in the midst of uncertainty forces us to place our faith in what we cannot see in order to overcome what we can see.
One of the best ways of trusting God in uncertainty is remaining in the present moment. Yet too often we run headlong into the future driven by our fears. While God was with us in the past, and will be with us in the future, the present moment remains the only place we experience His manifest Presence now.
Welcome to Mindfulness Monday! Where we learn some easy ways to be more present “in the moment” at our jobs, in our homes, with our families and friends.
Learning to recognize God and what He has for us in each divine moment He offers. We acknowledge the belief that God is with us always.
We confess His presence is available to us, lifting our spirit and helping us with power and grace. Learning the art of “stillness” so we can hear His voice and view ourselves, others and our surroundings through His eyes.
uncertainty is uncomfortable
Whether navigating uncertainty in the world around me, or the personal uncertainty of a health or financial crisis; one thing stays the same: uncertainty is uncomfortable.
We all have ways of dealing with uncertainty, some helpful, some provide only a brief respite, while others only serve to make the situation worse.
But all attempt to control or remove the feeling of uncertainty.
In the midst of uncertainty, God calls us to a place of confidence, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:13)
Facing a season of uncertainty can be a time of faith strengthening working through the following 4 ways to trust God in uncertainty.
4 ways to trust god in uncertainty
Holding onto to Hope in times of uncertainty requires trusting God with the outcomes. Yet too often we assume an outcome or fixate on controlling the outcome.
Instead, we build trust by relinquishing outcomes to God by surrendering our cares to Him with open hands, hearts, and minds.
Give the Uncertainty to God
No matter how often I face uncertainty, each time my first thought compels me to transform the uncertainty to the certain. Which invariably leads me down a road wrought with control seeking anxiety.
Giving the uncertainty to God, on the other hand, provides a peace my control seeking fails to provide.
Trusting God in uncertain times means I surrender my “need to know” to His sovereign Hand.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Accept the Work of Uncertainty
As unpleasant as uncertainty is, it accomplishes a unique work in your life.
Reminding me of my weaknesses, inability to see the big picture, and the truth that I control very little about my life, uncertainty pushes me into a place of trusting God.
The perfect work of uncertainty releases me from self-reliant striving for outcomes to a surrendered rest of abiding in Christ.
As God uses everything for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28), He uses uncertainty to work in your life according to His good pleasure.
“ For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Put Your Trust in God Not Your Circumstances
Too often my well-being hinges on my circumstances. Giving uncertain situations power over my emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being demonstrates a colossal lack of trust in God.
The very nature of uncertainty reminds you circumstances and people change.
But God is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
The immutable nature of God invites you to rest in His faithfulness, knowing every one of His promises for you are true because He keeps His word.
“For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.”
God is Your Refuge in Uncertainty
In uncertain times my heart truly longs for one thing: safety. All of my striving and attempts at controlling outcomes rests on that one desire.
Uncertainty often represents not only the “unknown”, but an unpleasant or painful outcome, which drives my fear and anxiety in uncertain settings.
Trusting God in uncertain times, I find a secure refuge, a safe place amid the chaos threatening to overcome me.
As an all-powerful Protector, God is reliable, constant, and unfailing in His love for you. In the face of uncertainty, running to Him is the most secure refuge you can find.
“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”
trusting god in uncertain times
Whether any of the predictions for the future of 2023 actually come to fruition or not, we know God’s constancy and trustworthiness never fails.
Choosing to trust Him in uncertain times, means we step forward in faith and by faith, which in turn sharpens our faith, matures us spiritually, and deepens our dependency on Christ.
Only God sees the future perfectly. When you lean into Him, He will guide you on His good, and sovereign path, where only His perfect will for your life is accomplished.
Oh Donna … I always want to know how the story ends, so you can imagine how much I love uncertainty. Your words are speaking to my heart right now … how I want to find my refuge in God alone, not in my circumstances changing so I feel better. Hugs, friend.
Lois, I always read the last chapter of every book I read, only then can I enjoy reading the whole book-I always want to know the end from the beginning! BUT I am learning to trust God, who knows the end from the beginning, (Isaiah 46:10) and His good purpose is always accomplished!
I’m in the midst of a very uncertain circumstance. I’m feeling thankful for the truth of those four ways you mention here. I tweeted your quote about placing our faith in what we can’t see. So good!
Amy, so pleased God spoke Hope and encouragement into your uncertain circumstance today!! Thank you for sharing!!
I can be such a time-traveler in my thoughts! I really have to work hard to stay in the present moment, but I am rewarded when I do. Thanks for this beautiful post, Donna. Uncertainty was my word of the year in 2021; it was tough but valuable.
You and me both, Lisa! It is very hard for me to remain present, because my mind is a million miles away at times! I think uncertainty, though uncomfortable, has many valuable lessons to teach us!
I had all kinds of plans for 2023. But after losing my sister in January, this year seems very uncertain. No more trips to the nursing home or worrying about night time phone calls. But I haven’t figured out what to do with the extra time on my hands. I’m still a caregiver to my mother but life is certainly different now. However, I am not in despair because I am trusting God, not my circumstances, and I know he has a plan for each one of us. I love the message.
Suzette, thank you for taking the time to read my post! I am so sorry for your loss of Michelle. I feel like 2023 is already a year of uncertainty for me too, as I suddenly lost my Mom, just 3 weeks into the year, and face my own health challenges. We find such comfort in trusting God with all of the loose ends and empty spaces!
This is so true, Donna, “The very nature of uncertainty reminds you circumstances and people change.” Yet, He is unchanging! This reminds me of His encouragement to keep our eyes on Him, and not to be distracted by the uncertain wind blowing or the waves crashing around us. With our eyes on Him, we can walk on the water to His outstretched hand.
Lisa, I agree, keeping our eyes on Jesus, while difficult in uncertainty, brings the comfort we need to weather the storms.
“No matter how often I face uncertainty, each time my first thought compels me to transform the uncertainty to the certain.” Me too! I’ve been very actively doing that lately. I’ve been called out that I have been getting caught in the “what if’s” instead of letting go and trusting God. Thanks for this today! Spot on!
Ah, Lynn, those “what ifs” can be the most insidious ways the enemy of our souls uses to lure us away from trusting God or becoming suspicious of God’s goodness. “What ifs” also tempt us into self-reliance, another snare keeping us from fully trusting God!
Donna, this is such a beautiful post. Honestly, I don’t LIKE being in places of uncertainty. But you’re right. God works in those places, refining my character and deepening my trust in Him.
“One of the best ways of trusting God in uncertainty is remaining in the present moment. Yet too often we run headlong into the future driven by our fears. While God was with us in the past, and will be with us in the future, the present moment remains the only place we experience His manifest Presence now.” This paragraph really spoke to me. For years, I’ve been trying to be intentional about being fully present in each moment. It;s tough when uncertainty rears its head. But, oh, it is the place where we also find God.
Jeanne, thank you for your kind encouragement. Praise God He spoke to you through this post, uncertainty IS uncomfortable! Yet I find it is the place I learn so much more about God and grow in my relationship with Him. I might dare say it is also a place of freedom!
Thanks, Donna! This is a really helpful post. It is so comforting to know that we can rely on God’s certainty and faithfulness when circumstances around us seem uncertain.
Lesley, in the uncertain times surrounding us, I am at peace within God’s faithful certainty!!