10 bible verses for facing the unknown

I was trying to figure out a clever way to say it, but it’s pretty straightforward: It’s just hard to be faithful when facing the unknown.

It feels much easier when everything is going according to plan. It’s still faith, but I feel so much more confident about it when things are good. I can share my faith, thank God, and see things that point back to him.

It’s even a little easier to have faith when things are hard. Because at least it’s clear cut – I’m working through a loss or feeling momentary pain, physical or emotional. At least I know what I’m working towards. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

When things are foggy or uncertain, though, that throws me for a loop.

It leaves me questioning, anxious, worried. It’s hard to trust that God is working for me, when I can’t see which direction I’m going. I need a little help to be faithful.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) says that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

But how is that even possible? I feel like the characters in the movie Bird Box when they try to get to the grocery store. If you haven’t seen it (and it’s pretty brutal so I don’t know if I’d recommend it), just picture trying to drive a car blindfolded, only directed by GPS.

Even watching that movie, I was practically yelling at the screen, “how are they going to do that?? They can’t do that! How can they DO that?”

There’s actually three ways that God can guide us while we are blindfolded.

First, we can pray.

We can surrender our will, our plans, our concept of control to God through voicing our fears and frustrations to him, and then requesting his guidance and help with our faith.

It doesn’t automatically relieve us of our anxiety – or at least for me it doesn’t. But through “prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) says, “the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Second, we can remember all the things that have been overcome.

Life is full of unknowns. There’s no way you’ve made it this far without making it through them, no matter how they have ended.

What have you made it through already in life? What are some of the hardest or darkest times you’ve come back from?

You’re a survivor. And God helps us and walks with us every step of the way.

Third, we can rely on his Word.

We can read and remember his promises, and do our best to believe them.

Sometimes it’s all I can do to read a verse and will myself to believe it. I wish I could say I was always confident in it. But often I have to fight for that confidence, which I don’t think is a bad thing. It’s just growth.

If you just so happen to be facing the unknown and in need of some of those Bible verses, here are some that are helpful for me. I’m including the two shared above in my total ten, for those of you who are counting.

***

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17 NIV

Let us not lose faith in God’s goodness when things get hard. He’s not fickle or conditional.

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’ Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:6-8 NIV

Jesus does not change either. He is alive and well, and his message is the same. The Lord is our helper, we don’t need to be afraid.

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” – Isaiah 55:8-9, 12 NIV

We may not understand God’s hand in things, but it doesn’t mean he is not working. Joy and peace are coming. Count on it.

“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” – Luke 12:24-26 NIV

Birds don’t stress – and we are far more valuable! Don’t worry!

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” – Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

This is a promise you can hold onto and go back to.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” – Isaiah 30:21 NIV

We have a guiding, helping force in the Holy Spirit, and we are not alone.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

The original call to action: Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged. God is with us.

“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all those who take refuge in him.” – Psalm 18:28-30 NIV (but totally read through verse 36!)

God makes us capable and strong, even when facing the unknown.