Anchored in a Stormy World
Right now, uncertainty is the main thing governing our days. For many people, the world is more uncertain than it’s ever been, as economies change, relationships end, viruses spread, and plans can collapse literally in a second. At times, life seems like a path without sight, and we’re not sure where we are headed.
The fact is: we have no idea what will be waiting for us tomorrow. And it always will be, too. Regardless of how much we expect or arrange, we can’t always be in control of the future. Awareness of this alone can often worry us, bury us in anxiety, or make us completely afraid.
Here’s the encouraging fact that lifts our spirits: While tomorrow is unknown, we rest knowing that He holds tomorrow instead of us. Our God, who cannot change, knows everything and is always faithful, is aware of our future. At the end of all that we do not know, he stands and reassures us, “Be not afraid, because I am always with you.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Try to completely digest that idea for a while.
That Creator knows the universe, speaks to the stars (Isaiah 40:26), shaped you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-16), and numbers your hairs (Luke 12:7). He already sees your tomorrow. You don’t have to worry about him letting you down in the future. He cares about the fears you feel.
If darkness and uncertainty threaten your peace, you should know: Our peace doesn’t rely on knowing the future. We gain it by understanding God.
Jesus made it clear in John 16:33, You will have many trials in the world. Still, don’t worry! The world has been defeated by me.
Knowing the Unknown Tomorrow Through a Known God
1. The Fear of the Unknown Is Real—But So Is God
Don’t we all have to admit it? Everyone, even the most devoted, goes through times when fears begin to affect them. Unpredictability can stop us in our tracks. Am I going to get the promotion? Is my child going to get better? Will it be found that I am healthy? How likely is it that my marriage will get through this time?
Fear grows when we don’t know what the future holds. Still, faith grows when we are sure of God’s existence.
Often, we worry about the day ahead when we try to prepare or predict things that haven’t happened yet. But that’s the freedom: we’re not responsible for tomorrow, since God, who sees everything, has already planned it.
Your beginning and ending aren’t controlling God’s moods in heaven. He has already put it on paper. The challenging stories in God’s Word are meant to point toward what is yet to come.
2. A Known God in an Unknown World
Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
That’s profound. Trends, our connections with others, governments, our emotions, and our minds are all prone to change. But not in the case of God. It is the same God who helped Israel by splitting the Red Sea, stopped lions from harming his followers, gave enough food to many with a small lunch, and gave life to the dead.
And he looks at you right now and promises, “I’ve got everything handled for you.”
When we get to know God deeply, we start to look at things we do not know in a new way. Fear is replaced by trust when using the internet.
3. Faith Isn’t About Knowing the Future—It’s About Knowing God
Many people make the mistake of thinking God tells us our future. We request that He set out our life’s roadmap for us. We want to be sure about things. At the same time, faith doesn’t require that we have all the answers. It has to do with having faith that God does.
If everything about our future were clear, we might never experience growth. Facing uncertainty means you must rely on trust. And trust helps a relationship flourish.
Trusting God is better than following a well-laid-out itinerary, since He holds your hand the whole way. Why? Since the relationships built are more important than the results obtained.
Abraham didn’t understand where he was headed—all he trusted was the God who led him. Moses didn’t know how it would happen—he simply did what he was told. Mary wasn’t certain how she would have God’s son, still trusting what the angel told her.
When you’ve found God, you already know the most important things. It is enough to understand he is good.
4. His Promises Anchor Us in Uncertain Waters
There are over 7,000 promises in the Bible—and every one is a reminder that God is trustworthy.
Here are just a few to cling to when tomorrow feels terrifying:
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” – Romans 8:28
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
The promises of God aren’t empty words to uplift us—they are true words that hold us firm. If we experience uncertainty, it’s the promises that keep us away from fear.
5. Prayer: The Pathway to Peace in the Unknown
You should consider turning to prayer when you don’t know what lies ahead. Preferably, as your first action, instead of being considered as the last.
When you pray, you think about your Provider instead of your problems. It helps you forget the storm and pay attention to Jesus.
We are told in Philippians 4:6-7 to avoid anxiety and instead bring our concerns to God by prayer and saying thanks. And the peace of God… will protect your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.”
It doesn’t just sound nice. That’s powerful.
If you speak to God about your future, you will find less cause for fear.
6. Trusting God Doesn’t Mean Life Will Be Easy—But It Will Be Secure
We should be honest: Following a known God doesn’t guarantee things will always go smoothly. Going through life can sometimes be tough. Life can surprise us. The delaying of dreams is not uncommon. Plans change. Hearts break.
Even if the waves fall, you know your building won’t be shaken.
Life will not be free from pain for us, but God promises He will be present all along.
Put another way, if the storm is strong, but your pilot is in control and knows where to go, the plane won’t crash. God is in control as the Chief Pilot. He has a clear picture despite the bad conditions. He knows how to help you get by.
7. Living Today in Light of Who Holds Tomorrow
So, how do we practically live this out? How do we walk through daily life grounded in trust instead of gripped by fear?
Here are a few daily practices:
- Start your day with Scripture
Let the first voice you hear each day be God’s. Even five minutes in the Word can reframe your mind and set your heart on truth.
- Write down your worries, and give them to God
Keep a journal of your fears. Then, beside each one, write a truth about God’s character. Watch how faith rises as fear shrinks.
- Speak life
What you say shapes what you believe. Instead of saying, “I don’t know how I’ll make it,” say, “God is with me, and He’ll make a way.”
- Surround yourself with faith-filled voices
Community matters. Stay connected with people who point you back to God when your vision gets blurry.
- Take it one day at a time
Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:34)
You don’t need grace for next week—you need grace for today. Trust that it will be enough.
Conclusion: Walk Boldly into the Unknown—Hand in Hand with the Known God
You do not have to feel anxious as you contemplate an unknown tomorrow. It’s unnecessary to be up all night, worrying about a thousand different outcomes. You aren’t expected to see every future outcome and hold the responsibility for what is to come.
Why?
Because you are not walking alone.
The God who is God of Abraham and who led him to a foreign land with only a promise…
Joseph’s God, who managed to bring him favor instead of betrayals and imprisonment.
The God of Esther, who placed her in the palace for a special reason in that season…
Jesus, God, who entered into history to save all people…
The same God is with you.
He leads the way for you.
He is in every part of your life.
He is there to support you when you can’t carry on alone.
And in your mind, He gently tells you, “Stop and remember that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
If the unknown makes your heart beat faster, keep in mind:
God is already present.
He is present in what lies ahead for you, whether that’s a challenge, a new season, or a breakthrough. Nothing ever shocks Him. He is not confused by anything. He can always move forward with His plans for you, making His promises happen.
Even if things seem unclear, take your next step forward.
Even if your emotions tell you otherwise, try to trust.
Rest no matter how strong the storm gets.
You can declare, like David in Psalm 31:14-15, “I trust in you, Lord, and I say, ‘You are my God.’ All my times are up to you.”
Let the truth of it become a part of who you are:
Very often, life’s surprises leave you unsure of what will come your way.
Still, God fully sees you, fully loves you, and will always keep you in his care.
So prepare yourself by always trusting in the God you do know. God is faithful, He is good, and He will always help you.
Amen.
You can also read up: Hope in Hard Times: A Biblical Reflection You Need Today