How to Focus on God in a Season of Uncertainty

I confess—I am a planner. I thrive on to-do lists, outlines, calendars, spreadsheets, graphs, and project plans. What if my plans go awry? Only God knows the future.

What can we do in times of uncertainty?

Example from the Bible

The story of the Israelite people in the wilderness is a good example of what NOT to do. Bear with me as I review this story, in case you are not familiar with it.

God established a covenant with Abraham that his descendants would be God’s chosen people and inhabit Canaan, the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. (Genesis 17:1-8) As Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, God repeatedly provided for all of their needs. 

Safety—He parted the Red Sea for an escape from the Egyptian soldiers (Exodus 14:26-28).

Water—He supplied water when they were thirsty (Exodus 17:5-7).

Food—He sent manna and quail when they were hungry (Exodus 16:13-16).

Direction—He guided them through the desert by a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21-22). 

When the Israelites arrived to take possession of the land God had promised to Abraham, God directed Moses to send a team of twelve to explore and report back. 

When the men came back from the scouting expedition, all but two of the twelve gave a report that reflected their unbelief in God’s promises, “And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, ‘The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.’” (Numbers 13:32-33, NIV)

Fear of the Unknown

Two of the explorers, Joshua and Caleb, said the land was “exceedingly good” (Numbers 14:6-8) and spoke confidently of God’s faithfulness. But after all of God’s provision, the people focused on the unknown and were afraid. They even preferred going back to Egypt to a life of slavery instead of trusting God’s promises. (Numbers 14:1-4)

Therefore, God struck down the ten men who gave the bad report and sent the Israelites off to wander in the wilderness until all the adults had died. (Numbers 14:28-35) Of all the adults who left Egypt with Moses, only the two explorers who had given the good report, Joshua and Caleb, lived to see the promises of God fulfilled.

Forgetfulness

When reading this story, so many questions pop into my mind. Why did God’s chosen and holy people feel like inconsequential tiny grasshoppers after all God did for them and all the miracles He performed? Why didn’t the Israelites remember how God took care of them in the desert? 

Sadly, I realize I am no different from the Israelites. I forget everything God did for me in the past and therefore do not trust Him with my future. 

I worry about tomorrow instead of relying on God for today.

I forget God doesn’t change, even though everything else does.

Is anyone else forgetful like me? Feeling worried, lost, and afraid?

When you don’t know what to do next, reach for the Word of God.

Focus on God’s promises of protection

If we focus on our problems, we are afraid and worry about the future. The weight of the “what ifs” overwhelms us.

Instead, focus on God’s promises in His Word to be with us, care for us, and watch over us. 

Remember, whatever you are facing, God is your protector and will work everything out for your good if you trust Him. The Bible says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).

God repeatedly promises to be with us, protect us, and help us. For example, in the book of Isaiah, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).

And in one of my favorite Psalms, God promises to watch over us forever, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:7-8 NIV).

Focus on God’s promises to provide

If we focus on what we don’t have instead of what we have, we are discontented and fearful.

Instead, focus on what we have and what God has done for us in the past. In His Word, God promises to provide for those who trust and follow Him.

Be confident and ask God for what you need. Scripture states, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15 NIV).

Jesus declared don’t worry, His Father would care for us. The Bible says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:26-27, NIV).

Are you dealing with a season of uncertainty? Leave a comment and let me know!

Prayer

Lord, thank you for watching over us and providing what we need. Help us trust you and not forget all your promises to protect and provide for us. Help us remember you sent your son Jesus to overcome all evil. We will trust in that hope instead of living in fear. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.