We are certainly living in uncertain times. I wouldn't say "unprecedented" as the media would say because, after all, our Bible tells us that nothing is new under the sun. But we can see that the future is uncertain for many, but never without hope.
Many question where to draw lines that they will not cross. Others are full of anger at people they once loved despite their differing views. Christians are persecuted worldwide and persecutions are getting more and more frequent. Churches are closing or telling certain people they are not allowed to attend. People are fleeing countries because they are being turned away at grocery stores, church, and so much more. I would definitely say that for the Christian and nonChristian alike, these are uncertain times.
As I was sitting down, deliberating on what people - what I - need to hear most nowadays, I thought about the passage in Habakkuk 3. Now Habakkuk is a little book in the Old Testament that is of great encouragement, especially when you have questions about why there is so much evil in the world and when you need some encouragement in that realm. I encourage you to read and study the whole book (its only 3 chapters), but I am going to read from Habakkuk 3:17-19 which is the conclusion of the prophet's words.
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places..."
The prophet Habakkuk found an answer to the troubles and evil that surrounded him. He found a why to his questions to God in the first chapter of the book - "O Lord how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!" (Habakkuk 1:2)
Just as Habakkuk chose to seek God, cling to His promises, and praise the Lord in the midst of difficulty, so should we. I put together a list of verses that we can all cling to in the midst of uncertainty. I pray that they encourage you and inspire you in your walk of life, no matter the difficulty. I stand with you in prayer as you go through whatever trial and test may be thrown your way. Although we do not know what tomorrow holds, our God of miracles does.
10 Verses I Cling To In Uncertainty
I encourage you to study these verses, write them down, claim them, pray over them, and memorize them that you would have encouragement when you most need it.
1. Habakkuk 3:17-19
2. Isaiah 41:10
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold these with the right hand of my righteousness."
3. Hebrews 13:6
"So that we may boldly say, 'The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.'"
4. Matthew 10:28-30
"Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."
5. 2 Chronicles 20:15-17
"And he said, 'Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou King Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, 'Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God's.
Tomorrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you."
6. Matthew 11: 28-30
My mom had my brothers and I memorize this passage when I was younger and, I can't tell you how many times I pray this verse in times of trouble and anxiety.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
7. Philippians 4: 6-7
"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."
8. Psalm 121: 1-8
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."
9. Romans 8:28
This verse in particular reminds me that my good is different than God's good, but everything that happens will be for His good and for His purpose. I choose to trust Him.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, and to them who are the called according to His purpose."
10. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
For as the sufferings of Christ bond in us, so our consolations also aboundeth by Christ.
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings so shall ye be also of the consolation."
I do not know if you are suffering now, in a trial, or facing uncertainties, but I do know that we all will at some point or another. Christ told us that we need not be surprised when we face persecutions because they persecuted Him and if we are true followers of Christ, they will persecute us. But do not fear for our God is so much greater than anything this world can throw at us.
I hope that this is an encouragement to you. Simply writing this has encouraged me beyond measure.
With love and prayers always,
Kasey