Sometimes, in life, we feel like we are venturing into the dark—a job loss, a diagnosis, a new chapter in life, or the death of a loved one. The path ahead is cloaked and unseen. We do not know what lies ahead or if the next step will be on solid ground. Fear and worry choke us, forcing us to halt. How can we move forward? During times like these, we must be reminded of the truth, of what remains the same even when everything else seems uncertain. We need encouragement from the unchanging Word of God.
To gain strength and stability from Scripture, we must memorize and meditate on biblical truth. People in the Bible did this, drawing strength from the Lord’s promises. For example, Joshua regularly meditated on God’s commands and decrees in the Law, which helped him have the courage to serve as a leader of Israel (Joshua 1:8). David also mentioned how a person would be blessed for delighting in God’s Law and meditating on it day and night (Psalm 1:2).
In addition to meditating on the Bible, memorization is important. Think of Jesus in the desert during His temptation. He drew sustaining strength from memorized Scripture, which enabled Him to combat the lies of Satan (see Matthew 4:1-11). As our Lord said, “‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NIV). We are wise to memorize verses because we, too, can find sustaining strength in them during times of temptation and difficulty.
When we store Scripture in our hearts and regularly reflect on verses, we change our perspective of events. Instead of focusing on the future or what we perceive lies ahead, we fill our hearts and minds with what God says. His words will strengthen and sustain us, reminding us that we will not walk alone on the path ahead. If you feel like you are walking in darkness, uncertain about the future that awaits you, do not fear. You can find encouragement and strength from the Bible.
Read on for five Scripture passages to memorize and meditate on when your future is uncertain. They can be comforting and guiding light on the road ahead (Psalm 119:105).
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1. Deuteronomy 31:8
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” (NLT).
In the context of this verse, Moses encouraged the Israelites, reminding them that the Lord would go before them (Deuteronomy 31:1-6). After strengthening them with this reminder, he also addressed Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7). As the next leader of Israel, he needed to take courage in the Lord. Joshua would not be alone in the task before him, nor would any of the Israelites.
Although these words were given to Joshua to encourage him, the verse can also encourage us today. We are not going forward to cross the Jordan and possess the Promised Land, as the Israelites were, but our future can seem just as daunting. Like Joshua, we need a reminder to give us hope and strength for the days ahead. Deuteronomy 31:8 gives us such sustenance for our journey.
Our God goes before us. Nothing in our future takes Him by surprise or causes Him fright. He promises to go ahead, leading us into unknown territory. We can take heart knowing that the Lord will be there with us in the future, regardless of what happens. Let us not grow faint when uncertain days and months loom before us. Instead, let us gird ourselves with the reassuring promise that the Lord goes before us. The future seems much less uncertain when we know that our great and loving God will be there at our side.
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2. Psalm 139:7-10
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (NIV).
In these verses, David poetically conveyed that there is nowhere that we can go that the Lord is not already present. We can never escape the presence of His Spirit. Even if we think we can go to the farthest or deepest place on earth, God will still be there, for He is omnipresent.
The words from this passage can bolster us in times of fear over the future. When we think about the future, we often think of “what if” scenarios. What if I struggle with finding a steady job? What if a health problem gets worse? What if my loved one keeps pushing me away? Our mind creates various scenarios, often spiraling increasingly downward until we are left without any hope.
However, Psalm 139:7-10 speaks to these worries and “what ifs.” If the Lord is present with us no matter where we go, then He will be with us no matter what happens. The uncertainty of tomorrow cannot change the truth that God will be with us. Even if the worst happens, He will still be present. As David said, “Even there, your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (Psalm 139:10, NIV).
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3. Isaiah 41:10
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand” (CSB).
Looking at the entire chapter of Isaiah 41, we understand that the Lord addresses Israel. He reminded Israel that He had chosen them and would bring them back to their land out of exile (Isaiah 41:8-9). The Lord encouraged them not to be afraid because He would strengthen and help them (Isaiah 41:10; see also 41:13-14). He would bring them back through His power, as indicated by mentioning His “righteous right hand.” God addressed Israel in this verse, but His encouraging words apply to believers today. The God of Jacob is our God, the One who gave His Son to save us. We, too, can find strength and help from Him.
When the days ahead leave us unsure, we do not have to fear, for we have a mighty and loving Lord. The same God who brought Israel back from exile is the same God who is with us today. A future veiled in uncertainty does not cause God to quaver. Nothing is too big or hard for Him. If fear over tomorrow seizes you, remember to whom you belong. The Lord is your God, more significant than anything you could encounter. So, take courage. He will walk with you into the future's unknown, firmly holding your hand.
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4. Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NIV).
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that nothing can separate us from Jesus’ love in this passage. Nothing we encounter, not even famine or persecution, can make Him love us less (Romans 8:35). Death itself cannot separate us from the care of our Savior, for we are His even when we die. Likewise, the future cannot cut us off from Jesus’ love. Facing an uncertain future will not affect the Lord’s care for us.
We need to reflect on this passage when the unknown becomes overwhelming. Even though we might feel as if tomorrow's events will snatch us away from all hope, nothing can take us from our Savior’s hand (John 10:28). Jesus gave His life for us, dying so that we could receive salvation through His sacrifice. The same love that compelled Him to endure humiliation and crucifixion for our sake is the same love He has for us now. An unknown future cannot change that truth.
Whether you find yourself staring at unpaid bills, wondering how you will support your family without a job, facing life without a loved one, or another unknown, know that nothing can make Jesus stop loving you. His caring love will follow you all the days of your life, even the uncertain ones, and on into eternity.
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5. Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (NIV).
One reason we fear the future is that we do not know what to expect. A person’s life can shift drastically in an instant. Changes are bound to occur, and we do not want to face them. In many ways, the only thing we can expect to happen is change. Although things constantly change around us, there is One who always stays the same. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that Jesus’ character has remained the same throughout time. Not only that, but He will continue to be the same forever. As the Lord, He will not and cannot change (Malachi 3:6).
Jesus will continue to be the same loving, holy, righteous, and compassionate Lord that we have known since the day we placed faith in Him. His attitude and actions toward us will remain consistent despite the different circumstances that may come. In the whirlwind of changes and uncertainty about the future, cling to the truth that the Lord is reliable and consistent. When we memorize and meditate on these Scripture passages, we will remember that the Lord will be with us as we step into the unknown.
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Originally published Thursday, 07 March 2024.