Unknowns

READ: PSALM 119:105-112; PROVERBS 3:3-6; ROMANS 8:35-39; HEBREWS 12:1-3

We face unknowns day by day. We don’t know what life will be like next year or even next week. There are constant twists and turns. Some things happen so suddenly and so out of the blue that, left to our own resources, we could be left paralyzed.

Sometimes the unknowns, and the fears that come with them, can be overwhelming. But through all the change and uncertainty, one thing remains steady. God never changes. He loves us with a never-ending love. He never gives up on us, even when we give up on Him. And He always wants to help us. God’s never-changing goodness was put on full display when He became human and lived among us. Jesus, God in flesh, gave up His life for us on the cross so we could live with Him forever. And then He rose from the dead, totally victorious over sin and death.

Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us. And when we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can keep walking forward. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” We are never stuck in darkness with Him at our side. Through the Holy Spirit, God helps us to trust Him. To believe He is who He says He is. To rest in Him and His promises. And to follow His gentle leadership.

We are never going to be sure or certain about the things that will happen in our lives. Oftentimes, even the things we plan for don’t turn out exactly how we expect. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. We can’t plan ahead and know that it will be exactly how we want it to be. But we can trust God no matter what. He will be with us through it all. And as we follow His trustworthy guidance, the unknowns become a lot less scary. • Bethany Acker

• The unknowns of life can be overwhelming at times. But God generously provides comfort and guidance through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Do you have any favorite Bible passages that have helped you through difficult times? Which one(s)?

• Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with about your struggles? How could you be intentional about encouraging and comforting each other this week?

• None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. How might it be freeing to rely on Jesus and commit ourselves to following Him in everything, instead of trying to figure out what to do in our own strength and wisdom? (John 10:27-30; James 4:13-17)

“I the Lord do not change. So you…are not destroyed.” Malachi 3:6 (NIV)