Dealing with Uncertainty

Steven Rinella, host of the tv show Meat Eater, made a statement during one of his latest episodes that really caught my attention. He was backcountry bear hunting in an area he visited many times and was reliving several memories from more than 10 years previous. The moment grew deeper as it occurs to him that everything pretty much looked the same as it did back then.

While perched on a rocky overlook and scanning the panoramic view before him, the hunter makes the following statement. "A lot of stuff changes, but we have spots that you can come to and get a better sense of the passage of time. You realize that the passage of time is occurring in your mind, because these places are much more timeless. Time does not pass the way you think it does." He goes on to share about how 10 years ago he wouldn't have ever guessed he'd be doing what he is right now. Steven goes further to say that's the way life is for almost everyone. At any point in your life you can look back 10 years and say that you never would have guessed that you would be where you are right now.

If the statement above is true, then we should all be able to agree that everyone has a large amount of uncertainty in their life. In fact, if we look to the Bible we will find a plethora of instruction on how to handle times of uncertainty.

In Psalms it says to "cast your burden on the Lord, He will sustain you" and "His faithfulness is a shield, you will not fear". Also we read in Proverbs "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, He will sustain you." Later in 1st Peter we are given "Do not be anxious, He cares for you." The Bible is full of guidance for us to use during times of uncertainty.

The piece of scripture that really jumps out at me for this topic is 1 Kings19 11-13... The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord , for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord , but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Elijah was hiding, fearing for his life and uncertain of what the outcome would be. I love that when the Lord revealed himself to Elijah it was in a gentle voice. The uncertainty of his life was made certain in a blink of an eye through God's whispering voice. This is how powerful He is. How great is that! I pray that during our times of uncertainty we can all make a better effort to listen for God's whispering voice.