Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
It has been said many ways but the one certain thing about human life is how uncertain it can be (Matthew 6:34). Whether it be matters of health, world events, business decisions, or economic matters, or simply the weather, all these have an impact in our lives, from impacts that are immeasurable to those that are not really significant. We must be careful how we handle uncertainty in our lives. The book of Exodus is filled with examples of how uncertainty can turn to complaining and murmuring even against God.
One can do themselves a great deal of assistance in times of uncertainty by focusing on what has been established as true. Philippians 4:8 tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”. Also, the trials of life have a way of drawing the faithful closer to God (James 1:2-4) and causing us to see our need for Him even in the midst of our most trying times (Job 1:20-22).
The question comes though, do we really have a problem dealing with life’s uncertainty in a Godly manner? The answer for the great majority is a resounding NO! We as Christians will immediately look to God and our brothers and sisters in Christ in times like these. I have noticed even those of our community who never even darken the door of an assembly of the church will, without hesitation, ask for prayer. It seems that it is not uncertain struggles that cause the problems for many, but uncertain success. In Luke 12, we read of the Parable of the Rich Farmer. It is clear by his reaction he, though introduced as rich, wasn’t prepared for just how well his crops would yield, and a host of problems ranging from selfishness to forgetting life is fragile flooded his mind. Uncertainty had favored him in the sense he reaped more than he’d ever prepared for. Sadly, this illustration is like so many today. He was certain of things that just are not promised to be forever.
Our time is filled with uncertainty. Days are good and bad. The only way we can be sure to handle these moments correctly is with the priority being a right relationship with Christ (Philippians 4:10-13).
By Jason Barger