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As the saying goes, the only things that are certain in life are death and taxes. It sounds like a sad thing to say, but it is true. This is not to say that we don't continue to dream, make plans, and have high hopes and expectations for the future.
If we are living life as people of faith, we are always looking for the best outcome and continuing to push forward, no matter the situation.
This also means that we don't live in a way that is oblivious to bad things occurring. However, we should keep these quotes in mind. Maya Angelou said, “Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.” And Zig Ziglar had a similar quote: “Expect the best, prepare for the worst.”
Preparing for the worst can help us achieve our goals while putting our extra energy into focusing on progress and what is going right. When uncertainty happens, we aren't completely thrown off course. We have to put so much mental effort into dealing with the inconvenience of the negative that happened. Furthermore, we can continue having faith that we can achieve what we set out to accomplish.
What is Uncertainty?
Uncertainty is the state of being uncertain, unpredictable, or unreliable. It can make us apprehensive about moving forward because of the circumstances that may lie ahead. For example, I love watching home renovation shows.
A person will buy a home that has been abandoned for years and has great confidence that they can rebuild the house and restore its former glory, character, and charm in a modern way.
However, as the new homeowner gets into their renovation work, they find that the foundation is cracked and needs to be fixed.
In addition, they see that the floor joist underneath the kitchen and bathrooms has been weakened by years of water leaks. Then there is termite damage to add on top of that.
This uncertainty can leave the new owner frustrated and uncertain about funding the rest of the project if they have not planned for the unexpected in their renovation budget.
Furthermore, uncertainty is like a monkey wrench thrown into our plans. It can come in many different forms.
I have a friend that is a construction site manager for a large corporation. He is currently working at one of his sites, where there are TV news crews and protestors at the property's front gates. Apparently, his company hired non-union workers to complete the work on the job site before my brother's arrival because the union workers were on strike.
My friend was unaware of the full extent of the situation when he walked in. The crowd has since learned his name and is chanting it loudly in protest and on the local news. However, being in this business for years has helped him expect the best while preparing for the worst.
We have all been there. I remember driving to pick up my younger sister from college for the summer. As I was hours into my drive and about an hour from picking her up, my car broke down. I was stuck in the middle of nowhere, and nothing was open on the weekend.
I tried everything I could to get my car started back but to no avail. I had expenses for hotel, auto repairs, and missed work that I had not expected. I was totally blindsided. That breakdown was the monkey wrench that I was not expecting.
However, I planned for the unexpected before making the trip. I ensured I carried cash with me just in case something happened, and I could not use a debit card.
Little to my knowledge, I had an underlying issue with my car that I did not know existed. However, I was able to get it addressed and repaired.
In the book of Genesis in the Bible, Jacob relocated to a new country and soon fell in love with a woman of the country named Rachel. She was the younger of two sisters. This was in the days of arranged marriages.
Jacob loved Rachel so much that he asked to barter with her father and work for 7 years for her hand in marriage. To which her father agreed. Unfortunately, Jacob was so focused on the outcome and getting the woman he desired that he did not take the time to learn the customs of the land.
After fulfilling his seven years of service, there was a marriage. Jacob woke up from a drunken wedding night to find out that he married the older sister Leah, not Rachel. He felt betrayed and was extremely angry. The girls’ father informed Jacob that it was not customary in that country to give away the older daughter before the younger.
Jacob ended up working another seven years to have Rachel as his wife. Jacob was deceived but could have been better prepared to achieve his dream of marrying Rachel if he had been informed about the country's customs.
It is easy to become overwhelmed emotionally when uncertainty happens. Even becoming distrustful of others. However having faith in a positive outcome, in the end, can help us keep moving and not give up when the unthinkable occurs.
The following are 27 powerful bible verses about dealing with the unknown, while trying to figure out God’s plan for us.
27 Bible Verses About Dealing with Uncertainty in Life
1. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”
2. Romans 8:28
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
3. 1 Peter 3:14
“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness [though it is not certain that you will], you are still blessed [happy, to be admired and favored by God]. Do not be afraid of their intimidating threats, nor be troubled or disturbed [by their opposition].”
4. 2nd Timothy 1:7
“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness [though it is not certain that you will], you are still blessed [happy, to be admired and favored by God]. Do not be afraid of their intimidating threats, nor be troubled or disturbed [by their opposition].”
5. Isaiah 35:4
“Say to those with an anxious and panic-stricken heart, “Be strong, fear not! Indeed, your God will come with vengeance [for the ungodly]; the retribution of God will come, But He will save you.”
6. Isaiah 40:29-31
“He gives strength to the weary, and to him who has no might He increases power. Even youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired.”
7. Isaiah 40:10
“Listen carefully, the Lord God will come with might, and His arm will rule for Him. Most certainly His reward is with Him, and His restitution accompanies Him.”
8. Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].
9. John 14:11
“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe [Me] because of the [very] works themselves [which you have witnessed].”
10. Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
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11. Luke 12:22
“Jesus said to His disciples,“For this reason I tell you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; or about your body, as to what you will wear.”
12. Psalms 34:4
“I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
13. Psalms 34:17
“I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
14. Psalms 94:19
“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your comforts delight me.”
15. Psalms 138:8
“The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me; your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of Your own hands.”
16. Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
17. Proverbs 3:5-6
“For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
18. Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord. “For he will be [nourished] like a tree planted by the waters, that spreads out its roots by the river; and will not fear the heat when it comes; but its leaves will be green and moist. And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought nor stop bearing fruit.”
19. Luke 12:24-34
“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the crop]; they have no storehouse or barn, and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add one hour to his life’s span? So if you are not even able to do a very little thing [such as that], why are you worried about the rest? Consider the lilies and wildflowers, how they grow [in the open field]. They neither labor nor spin [wool to make clothing]; yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass which is in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You of little faith! So as for you, do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink; nor have an anxious and unsettled mind. For all the [pagan] nations of the world greedily seek these things; and your [heavenly] Father [already] knows that you need them. But [strive for and actively] seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid and anxious, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. “Sell your possessions (show compassion) and give [donations] to the poor. Provide money belts for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing and inexhaustible treasure in the heavens, where no thief comes near, and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
20. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”
21. Psalms 23
“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the [sunless] [a]valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with [b]oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.”
22. Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”
23. John 14:27
“Peace, I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”
24. Psalms 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).”
25. Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; he will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”
26. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.”
27. Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.”
Final Thoughts on 27 Bible Verses About Dealing with Uncertainty in Life
These bible verses about uncertainty are just the tip of the iceberg. Delays from uncertainty in life can be discouraging, distressing, and downright frustrating when we are going through it. However, as my mother always said, “What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.”
When we think back over most of life's challenges, we were made to be stronger, wiser, and overall better because of them. This fact should help shape our mindset the next time we face uncertain times.
As people of faith, we also have the consolation that we don't have to go through it alone. We have help from the Lord to bear our burdens, give us direction, and the grace to make it without giving in to discouragement.
So today, we are reminded that uncertainty comes, but it is not the final chapter of our stories. Instead, there is a powerful victory celebration at the end.
