Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

            Over the years I have often heard people say, “We live in uncertain times.”  Not only do we live in uncertain times (especially these days), but we all live uncertain lives – not knowing what tomorrow holds. While God’s truth and our eternal life in Christ are certain, there are a lot of other factors in our lives that are a bit unpredictable and unclear at times. It’s kind of the nature of the journey.

            Today, in the midst of the craziness that is going on in the world, we all face a certain amount of uncertainty.  Besides the virus “stuff” taking place, you may face major questions about your health, your job, your finances, your children, your grandchildren, your church or someone in your circle of friends. One thing that is certain is that we cannot avoid uncertainty in this life!  We can, however, respond to it in a Christ-honoring and soul-profiting fashion.

            Recently I read a fascinating conversation documented in a book by the renowned ethicist John Kavanaugh. He tells of a time in his life when he went to Calcutta to work for three months at “The House of the Dying.” This experience was part of his heartfelt search for direction about his future. The first morning there, he met Mother Teresa.  She asked, “And what can I do for you?” Kavanaugh asked her to pray for him.

            “What do you want me to pray for?” she asked. He responded by explaining that he had come thousands of miles from the U.S. to find direction: “Pray that I have clarity.” She said firmly, “No, I will not do that.” When asked why, she said, “Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of.” Kavanaugh commented that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for. She laughed and said, “I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So, I will pray that you trust God.”

            There’s always something in all of us that wants clarity…certainty. In our search for clarity, it can actually become an idol that replaces authentic trust in God. In many ways, we would rather understand the details of the road ahead than rest in the deep relationship with Christ who has promised to direct our steps. He has never promised to show us a detailed 10-year plan. Clarity can actually become spiritually counterproductive as it shortchanges trust, a life of faith and a moment-by-moment dependence on God.

            Scripture tells us, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). A refuge is a place of resting and trusting that God will take care of us.  Unfortunately, rather than using God as our refuge, we try to use Him as our divine GPS system where we can print off our turn by turn instructions all the way to our destination.

            We need to trust Him, knowing that He’s got us in the palm of His hand.  We should never assume a life of trust or take God’s refuge for granted. We often want to “chart the course,” but the Bible tells us to walk in the Spirit. We insist on a strategic plan. Jesus says, “Follow me.” We want all the answers. The Lord tells us to trust Him, because of what we know to be true about His character.

            As you go through uncertain days – let’s focus on the gift we’ve been given. Faith, not certainty, is the single most important ingredient to a life pleasing to God.  Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).