Facing the Unknown

The world we live in today is full of uncertainty. Some people are afraid of what tomorrow may bring. Others are unsure of how to deal with tomorrow. There seems to be a lack of confidence everywhere you turn.

But when you stop and think about it, every day we face the unknown. There are no guarantees that everything that we have planned will play out just like we think it will. Life is full of surprises.

Perhaps one of the most uncertain issues going on is the economy: personal, national and even global economy. What is going on? What will happen next? Will there be a turn around, and if so, when?

Many people are desperately looking for signs of some good news on the horizon. They are anticipating something that they can have confidence in. They are getting tired of all this uncertainty; they are frustrated with the unknown.

But again, whether the economic picture is good or poor, we all still face the unknown every single day. And when certain information hits our brain, it can really shake our confidence. That's when you have to ask yourself, "Who or what do I really trust? Who do I really have confidence in?"

Having confidence is having a full trust; it is a belief, an assurance; it is trustworthiness, or reliability. So do you have confidence in the stock market, or your 401K, or the company you work for? Where can you put your confidence?

It would seem logical to have confidence in someone or something that is worth having confidence in: proven reliability, undeniable trustworthiness or something worth having complete assurance in.

Contrary to popular opinion of some, I would have to say that the government does not qualify. Neither do financial institutions or even investment plans. And forget about having confidence in your seniority at your job.

Because of the economic times we live in, many people are now facing the unknown. Sadly, many of them lack confidence in a loving God whom has proved Himself reliable for centuries! They do not realize that they can rely on His reliability.

If you are a fan of the Bible, as I am, then you know there are a number of records that show how God took care of people in some of the most desperate of times. How desperate? Death, disease, annihilation and famine just name a few. Talk about not knowing what to do; talk about facing the unknown.

Having fear is the opposite of having confidence. Fear robs your confidence. Fear causes you to freeze in your tracks; fear ties your stomach in knots. Maybe that's why the Scriptures repeat the message, "fear not," over and over and over.

The challenges that we face today are very real, and in a lot of situations they are very critical. Fear will not help; it will only keep us from having confidence in a delivering God. The solution is to look that fear in the eye and tell it to leave.

Mentally refuse to live with fear. It is there because of information. Consciously put the fear out just like you would the trash. Then, in its place, put in confidence and trust in God.

Remind yourself that God is reliable and trustworthy. Remind yourself that He is a God of solutions, solutions that you might not have ever thought of. Remind yourself that He will help you and guide you. Then, keep your eyes open and start looking and expecting.

When it comes to the unknown, why do so many people see it as negative and scary? How do you know? You don't, that's why it is called "the unknown." So why not look forward to what is unknown right now, expecting and anticipating some great things?

How many stories are there are of someone loosing their job only to find something so much better and more fulfilling? Maybe you've heard the old phrase, "God can turn lemons into lemonade." Yes, He can, and yes, He will.

And, if that fear comes back, then just throw the trash out again. Replace it with confidence and trust in One who is worthy of having confidence and trust in. And then, continue to keep your eyes open and start looking and expecting.