15 Promises from the Word of God in Uncertain Times
Despite the varying degrees of states and counties reopening across the country, we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. COVID-19 has devastated the lives of so many across the world---financially, physically and emotionally. In the U.S. alone, we have seen over 129,000 heartbreaking deaths. Families' lives are upended and many are in mourning what they have lost on a daily basis. Additionally, due to recent deaths of unarmed Black men and women across the country at the hands of police and other acts of racism coming to the forefront, the U.S. is seemingly realizing what we have known for decades---there is systematic inequality and racism that is embedded in the very fabric of this country (more on this in a later post). It is deep-seated and palpable. Perhaps we are on the pulse of meaningful reform and change in these areas. Time will tell.
We are in unprecedented times where we don't know what the future holds in terms of what "normal" will be anymore. But despite all the uncertainties we are facing right now, we can find hope, peace and comfort in the infallible Word of God. Always. In seasons of plenty and seasons of lack. In seasons of certainty and seasons of ambiguity. Does this mean we neglect the current circumstances, stop fighting for racial injustice, or disregard safety guidance to social distance or wear masks? Absolutely not. It just means you run to the well to refill you in these uncertain times. I work in the area of social justice, race, and education, and while it is both fulfilling and disheartening at the same time, I still need my cup filled up by the One who can satisfy my soul daily. In Christ's Word, I am replenished to face the circumstances of this life. Every morning His mercies are made new, great is His faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Take the time to read through what the Bible says to comfort us and keep us as we face uncertain times. Find rest in His steadfast word.
1. We may have anxiety about our current situation right now, but we can cling to Christ's peace.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."-- John 14:27 NLT
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”-- John 16:33 NIV
2. We don’t know when this will end, but we know Christ is with us in every step of the way.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."– Psalms 139:7-12 NIV
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
3. We may be stressed, but we can lay our burdens at Jesus' feet.
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." – I Peter 5:7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4:6-7
"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." – Isaiah 9:6
4. We’ve never been here before, but God is all-knowing and our strength.
"Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit." – Psalm 147:5 NIV
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1 NIV
5. We may be lonely, but Christ is a friend that sticks closer than a brother and in His presence is fullness of joy.
"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." – Proverbs 18:24 NKJV
"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."- Psalms 16:11 NIV
6. We may be mourning, but the Lord can heal broken hearts.
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." -- Psalm 147:3 NIV
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." - Matthew 5:4 NIV
7. We may be sick, but He has the power to heal.
“The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” - Psalm 41:3
"My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." - Psalm 73:26 NIV
8. We may have uncertainty about finances, but Christ is a provider and a way-maker.
"So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided." -- Genesis 12:14
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4:19
9. We may be tired, but the Lord provides rest.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
10. We may not feel His presence, but His strength is perfect in our weakness.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. – II Corinthians 12:9
11. We may be depressed but The Word says we are more than conquerors through Him and we are never separated from Christ's love.
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." – Romans 8:37-38
If you are depressed, please also seek out counseling which is helpful in conjunction with seeking the Lord .
12. We may want to get back to routine and the busyness of life but God says be still.
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" – Psalm 46:10
13. We may have lost all hope but He says put your hope in the Savior.
"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God…" –Psalm 42:5-6 NLT
14. We may be scared but He is with us and will strengthen us.
'Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ – Isaiah 41:10
15. We may feel we do not have anything to believe in, but Christ wants a true relationship with us.
If you don't have a relationship with Christ and are looking for hope right now, read the verses below and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Make the choice to let him be the anchor of your soul. It will be the best decision you will ever make.
A--Admit that you have sinned. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23 NKJV
B--Believe in Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”- John 3:16-17
C--Confess Christ as Lord. "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." – Romans 10:9-10
Blog post written by: Meredith B.L. Anderson, Ph.D.
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