In May of 2024, I felt the Lord calling me to leave teaching and step into the magical, wonderful, and unpredictable world of traditional publishing. I was ecstatic. This is what I wanted to do for decades. But at the same time, fear swept over me. Instead of hearing 'opportunity,' I heard 'scarcity'—loss of income, benefits, and insurance. Instead of stability and security, I heard uncertainty and fear of the unknown.
Over the last year and a half, this journey has been everything and more than I dreamed of pursuing. It’s completely different than teaching, and while it has good and bad days, I now love what I do. That has made all the difference. And yet, I’ve felt the Lord stirring something unsettling in my spirit. I know I’m called to write, but what do I do with that? I’m passionate about mental health, but how do I become a lived-experience expert? You tell me I have a voice, but traditional publishers tell me I’m not Sadie Robertson (yep, that one hurt)?
Can you relate? Even if you’re not a writer, I suspect you’ve faced forks in the road where you’re not sure where to turn next. Maybe it’s deciding on a college or a career. Perhaps you’re having trouble picking out that first job. For others of you, maybe it’s about finding solid friends or the “one” you will marry. No matter what you’re facing, life is full of uncertainty for all of us. The question is, how will we respond? What if these seasons aren’t wasted, but can be formative, meaningful, and even clarifying if we approach them intentionally?
1. Remember God’s Faithfulness
Especially in times of distress and unfamiliarity, it’s important to remember God’s past faithfulness. Why? Because as humans, we easily forget all that God has done for us and brought us through.
In Psalm 77, the psalmist cries out to God in exhaustion and overwhelm. He has no clue when his rescue will come, and he’s ready to throw in the towel. But then, in verse 11, he tells his soul to remember.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11, NIV).
In the midst of confusion and uncertainty, the last thing we want to do is remember where we once were. The places where we felt confident the Lord was calling us. But remembering now helps put our present-day troubles into perspective. Not because we magically have the answers, but because we trust in our God who will answer them.
2. Remember God’s Word
Beyond recalling specific places and prayers, God has remained faithful in our lives; it can also be helpful to look at His Word. I know this probably sounds basic and simplistic, but the Word of God is active, alive, and powerful in transforming our lives. This is why Psalm 77:12 continues this way:
“I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:12, NIV). Because our Psamist isn’t just remembering when and where God showed up, but how His Word points to that credibility all along. God’s Word is the eternal truth. We need it to satisfy our hungry souls. But the best part about His Word is that it never changes.
In Malachi 3:6, we read that the Lord is faithful and never changing. Matthew 24:35 notes, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (NIV). Hebrews 13:8 tells us Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (ESV). And “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” (James 1:17, ESV).
Each of these Scriptures tells us to remember God’s Word because it can never be taken from us. When you learn to write these words on your heart, you will be equipped to face any season of uncertainty. That doesn’t mean it’ll be any less stressful to face, but it does mean you’ll be grounded in the truth that can never be taken away from you.
3. Remember God Is In Control
Once we’ve recalled God’s faithful character and His unchanging Word, we must remember He’s in ultimate, total control. If you’re anything like me, this might scare you a little bit. Not because God is in charge, necessarily, but because you aren’t.
All my life, I’ve wrestled with the concept of control. Especially when it comes to my unknown future, I fear messing things up, choosing the wrong path, and falling behind. Not just that, but I have a deep-rooted fear of the unknown. Not knowing what’s next and living in a constant state of limbo heightens my already elevated high-functioning anxiety.
But at the end of the day, two verses bring me immense comfort when I start to fall into these patterns of thinking:
Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps” (NIV).
Psalm 127:2: “It is useless to work so hard for a living, getting up early and going to bed late. For the Lord provides for those he loves, while they are asleep” (GNT).
I don’t know about you, but these verses convict me in good, healthy, and necessary ways. This side of Heaven, it’s good to plan. To have goals and know where you want to go and why. Yet our future rests in God’s hands. He will establish our steps when we’re fully surrendered to Him.
Likewise, it’s easy to run in the cycle of uncertainty by doing as many things as we can all the time. How do I know? Because this past weekend, I applied to 10 jobs out of fear and anxiety regarding my future. I worked from sunrise to sunset. The reality is, it’s useless to work this way. Why? Because God is in control and He has good plans in store for me. He loves me and you.
While we’re called to work hard, we aren’t called to work ourselves excessively into the grave. And we indeed aren’t called to work to the point of anxiety spirals and exhaustion. If that’s you today, it’s my prayer that this encourages you. You’re not alone, but a better way forward is possible.
Sit in the Uncertainty
Friends, living in a state of uncertainty can bring up a range of feelings: anxiety, fear, excitement, joy, and dread. And while it might be uncomfortable, it can also spark moments of growth, resilience, and deeper self-understanding when we learn to trust God in the process.
This week, instead of running from the uncertainty or trying to out-run or out-work it, try sitting in it. It’s going to feel uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing, most likely. But press on. Take time to journal, pray, process, and pour out your heart before the Lord. Knowing that He cares about your fears and hopes, even the ones you can’t stop thinking about.
While our desire to know what’s next is a natural part of life, we can embrace the in-between instead of rushing to have all the answers. What’s one small step you can take this week to move forward in your season of uncertainty?
Prayer
Dear God, right now, I’m feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the future. You know how fearful I get about things I can’t control. Please comfort me in this place and help me to sit in the uncertainty with you. I trust your plans and know you will provide. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Photo credit: ©Unsplash/Hannah Olinger
