Just for fun, I asked someone the other day how they felt about the future. Perhaps their general optimistic attitude influenced their answer, but they expressed excitement about possibilities. Then I asked another person how they felt about an uncertain future. Immediately pensive, they expressed anxiety and foreboding. Same question both times, except for the word “uncertain”. Why are thoughts of embracing an uncertain future different than those simply future focused?
Though the future always contains uncertainty, we cling to thoughts of having a measure of control over future outcomes, lulling our minds into a false state of peace.
Labeling the future as uncertain caused my second friend some consternation and the immediate result was anxiety. Whereas my first friend eagerly answered the question without fear.
Though I tend towards a more optimistic view of things, world and local events, personal trials, and shifting circumstances in my own life accentuate the uncertainty of the future. But living from a place of dreading the future because of its uncertainty, robs me of the Joy of the present.
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.
embracing the present
While life demands a certain amount of planning and future considerations, too much time dwelling on the shifting sands before us robs us of all God has for us today.
Embracing an uncertain future with God means we accept our own limitations in knowing exactly what lay before us, while simultaneously placing full trust in God’s sovereign goodness.
Many believe they control the future or influence future outcomes, but only God knows the “end from the beginning”.
“Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”
In order to embrace an uncertain future, we must first embrace the present. As I stay present with my current trials, frustrations, and challenges, I see God at work in my life. Seeing God at work now, fortifies my heart for trusting Him with the unknown future ahead of me.
embracing the Uncertain
Perhaps part of human nature involves a desire for observing how other people navigate similar circumstances. For me, I often head to the bible for intel on how former saints managed suffering and trials.
Resonating with David’s heart for God even though he failed in huge ways, I recently headed to the psalms for a peek at how he handled uncertainty.
How to Face an Unknown Future with God
Psalm 108 caught my eye, as it is a psalm written by David combining excerpts from two previous psalms: Psalm 57 and Psalm 60.
Psalm 57 written when David spared Saul’s life, illustrates his willingness to trust God with his uncertain future in sparing Saul’s life, rather than taking things into his own hands to “control” the future.
While David penned Psalm 60 as a lament in the wake of a defeat. David expresses confusion and disillusionment in this psalm, as well as concern about an unknown future in the wake of the defeat.
Psalm 108 puts these two together for an unusual look at David’s view on embracing an uncertain future with God, which serves us well today.
4 Ways to Embrace Uncertainty with God
PRAISE!
The first way David chose to embrace uncertainty with God was to grab his harp and Sing! Upon waking instead of launching into an anxiety filled day, he chose to praise God.
“My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!”
Psalm 108:1-2
GRATITUDE!
David then launches into a time of lavish thanksgiving, expressing his gratitude for God, His unfailing love, and faithfulness, which he saw in the past and sees now in the present.
“I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.”
Psalm 108:3-4
TRUST!
Unashamed to publicly declare his firm trust in God, David exalts God in worship and trust, rather than looking to people or his own abilities for help.
“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!”
Psalm 108:5
PRAY!
Only after David praised, offered thanksgiving, and worshipped in full trust, did he petition God for his need. Encouraging his heart in the truth about God first, gave him the proper perspective to petition God appropriately for his need.
“That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer me!”
Psalm 108:6
embracing an uncertain future with god
Shifting our eyes from the fear of an uncertain future to the truth about God, strengthens our hearts and fuels our trust in God.
Ending Psalm 108 with words of triumph, David fortifies his Hope by proclaiming the futility of trusting in himself or others, while declaring victory through God, though the future still remained uncertain.
“Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.”
Psalm 108:12-13
When tempted to trust in my own strength or seek help from others when facing the fears of an uncertain future, acknowledging my real need is for God, brings the rest and peace I so desperately need.
Yes, embracing an uncertain future becomes hope-filled when I marvel at God’s unfailing love and faithfulness today, while remembering His steadfast, unchanging nature in the midst of the shifting sands of time.
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You navigate the “uncertainties” with such intentional encouragement. It makes me think of signing up to go on a cruise – and only the cruise director knows where we will be going, what we will be needing, and the challenges we will face. I just need to trust – to believe – that the uncertainties will result in certain(sure) goodness. Some of my sons are concerned about the uncertainties and somewhat dismayed as they set off on their life journey. This is such an encouraging read on how to maneuver. I, also, never realized that Psalm 108 was a combination of two previous psalms. Shalom, Donna! Thank you for this encouragement.
Maryleigh, uncertainty trips us up many a time, it draws our focus, and at times can paralyze our progress! But perhaps God designed it that way, so we learn to trust Him, rather than ourselves, our vision, or our own way! Shalom my sweet sister!
Donna, hi. There’s such peace in trusting in God’s character, faithfulness, lovingkindness, and wisdom. For sure the future is unknown and maybe that’s a very good thing. But His Word gives us just a glimpse of the glories of heaven that await as we worship the Lamb on the throne. So grateful His Word gives us a peek into glory. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Linda, I am always enriched by your visit and today is no exception. Thank you for reminding me of the future we DO have certainty about, and that is the glories of heaven and the Lamb upon the Throne! AMEN!! Come quickly Lord Jesus!!
This is beautiful, Donna. When I remember God was with me yesterday, I can cling to the truth that He is with me today, and am filled with hope and trust for tomorrow. “Shifting our eyes from the fear of an uncertain future to the truth about God, strengthens our hearts and fuels our trust in God.” Amen, sweet friend!
Joanne, I am learning to encourage my heart for the future with God’s faithfulness in times past. Fear sometimes causes us to forget just how much God has done for us!
Donna, this is so beautiful. And how interesting that one word – uncertain can stir up different responses. I am learning to trust and rest in God by holding my plans loosely as God establishes my steps and gives me daily manna.
Deborah, it is interesting how that word “uncertain” is so emotionally charged, and not in a good way. I am so glad God knows everything about the future for us, and we can rest in His good care.
Donna, what a beautiful post! God has talked with me a lot about being present in the present, so to speak. You’re so right. When we choose to be fully present, the emotions that come with uncertainties of the future lose their grip on us. I really appreciate how you brought out the aspects of Psalm 108 and how David approached the uncertainties of the future.
Thank you, Jeanne, I am working on staying present more in my own life, which not only fosters peace, but wrests all of my over thinking!