How to Trust God in the Middle of Uncertainty
A global pandemic spread right across the globe at the start of 2020, causing a difficult year for everyone. It’s good news that vaccines are now available and should end this crisis although the cause of the virus' destruction will not be forgotten. The truth is that the disease is still a threat today and likely will be for many years to come.
A lot of people have lost their jobs, experienced the loss of a loved one, and suffered mental health issues as a result. Only God knows what the future holds. We must remain faithful to the Lord regardless of the situation. There is always a threat of spiritual distress, both during times of ease and abundance, as well as during times of hardship and peril. (Proverbs 30:7-9)
The same holds true for treating a disease that has devastated society. There is the threat of hopelessness, hatred for God, loss of faith, and the pressure to use evil means to remain alive. Some people are at risk of overconfidence, indifference in faith, and the tendency to rely on their own strengths and material possessions instead of God. Can you trust God's goodness in these circumstances? How do you trust the Lord when you can’t comprehend what is happening?
Trust Him Daily
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
In an article in cru.org, the author outlines seven practical ways to trust God every day:
1. Seek Truth in the Bible or God’s word- There are several times when God has responded in difficult situations in the Bible. It reminds you that He is trustworthy regardless of your circumstances
2. Confess unbelief- Openly tell God how you feel and where you have difficulty trusting Him.
3. Share Your Concerns With Your Community- You are not alone in these difficult times. You are accompanied by the Lord every step of the way. Other believers will also walk alongside you.
4. Remember God and Spend Time With Him - God wants you to come and spend time with Him by talking to Him if you are having a problem. You should not let your circumstances affect your relationship with God. God can shape the way you see your circumstances.
5. Look for Things to Be Grateful For- Every day we live is a blessing. It is important to be thankful for everything in life, no matter how small the win or experience may be.
6. Walk in the Holy Spirit- Being close to the Holy Spirit not only gives you direction, it reminds you that you are not alone.
7. Wait on the Lord- Sometimes all you have to do is wait for the Holy Spirit to guide you on what to do.
God loves all of us. Pray about your feelings and circumstances - the good and the bad - to demonstrate your trust in Him. Let God help you with your emotions so they do not control your life. He isn't upset or bothered by your fears, anxiety, or suffering. You can trust Him with those things because He cares for you.
Trust God’s Plans
According to barnabastoday.com, there are three ways to trust God in uncertain times:
1. Make God a priority - No matter what happens during times of uncertainty, we must put God first. He must be trusted every day and all the time. Live a life of desire for God (Psalm 42:1).
2. Accept God’s providence- This is something we should embrace with our whole being “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
3. Live in God’s presence- Whatever our circumstances may be, we must remind ourselves that our God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving. He is always trustworthy even when we don't understand His ways.
Help In Times Of Uncertainty
A blogpost in Growing Together in Grace and Knowledge, mentioned that there are faith exercises that can be done to help you during times of uncertainty:
Pray and ask the Lord for patience, wisdom and understanding as you wait. Ask others to pray for us when we are anxious and struggling. When everything seems uncertain, prayer helps increase our trust in God.
The Bible fills our hearts with knowledge of who God is and gives us insight into His great love for us.
Our hearts need to hear the Truth. There is a certainty in God's promises. We must take the comfort of God's fortifying promises with us during a time of uncertainty, a comfort that speaks peace, and remain calm.
The Lord will do what he says. This is the sign from the Lord to show you (Isaiah 38:7)
Only God Has Control
Chellbee shares her own experience during her difficult times and how she trusts God through it all. Like any of us, she too would like to be in control. We get frustrated and mad if we don’t get what we want or things don’t go our way. It is important to realize the blessings we have; our loved ones, the roof above our heads and the food on our table.
We can be reminded of Habakkuk as well. Regardless of how slow it seems, it will surely arrive; there is no need to worry. "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:3-4)
Rather than do things your way, trust that God is present no matter how wrong, how lost, how sad, or how desperate the situation may seem. Do not forget all God has already done for you. Continue to rely on the Lord and go forward.
Verses to Help in Times of Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a part of everyone's life. Here are a few verses written in crosswalk.com to help you cope and lift your spirits.
God directs our paths- Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.(Proverbs 3:5-6)
God's ways are higher- His perspective is clearer. God is sovereign. He is the only one who knows everything (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God gives us good things- We have to trust that He knows best, no matter what we think. (Psalm 84:11)
God gives us peace- It's always reassuring to feel with certainty things will turn out okay, even when we can’t see how. (Philippians 4:7)
God's not done- He has a bigger purpose than what we can see.(Romans 8:28)
Read the entire article here
We cannot predict the future. The journey is not without its challenges. We all want to trust God. During good times, things can seem easier and we may forget to turn to Him. The importance of trusting God grows even more when times are difficult. We can rely on God's unchanging character to provide a solid foundation when the journey feels uncertain and unsteady.