There are seasons when uncertainty seems to be everywhere and this feels like one of those seasons.

Inflation continues to affect the cost of everyday life. Conflicts around the world remind us that peace can never be taken for granted. Political and social tensions are elevated. Headlines seem to bring a new concern every morning.

Sometimes, the uncertainty isn’t happening somewhere across the world. It’s happening right in our own homes.

A job loss. A serious illness. The death of someone we love. A strained relationship. An unexpected financial need.

It’s understandable to feel anxious when so much seems beyond our control. But here’s an important truth: While much is outside of our control, nothing is outside of God’s control.

God Is Sovereign, Even When Life Feels Uncertain

Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God is sovereign. When we say He is sovereign we mean He has power and authority over everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and unseen.

Job says, in Job 42:2, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Or as Paul writes in Ephesians 1:11, “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will”.

God’s sovereignty is a very real comfort to us in troubled times. Think about Psalm 46:1-3.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

The psalmist doesn’t say trouble won’t come, there is some very real turmoil going on in this Psalm. But, he points us to something greater, that God Himself is our refuge.

Our confidence doesn’t come from knowing exactly what will happen next. It comes from knowing the One who does.

We may not know exactly what the economy will do. We don’t know what will happen geopolitically or what challenges the next year may bring to our families. But God is not surprised by any of it.

God Knows What You Need

Jesus addressed worry directly in Matthew 6.

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. – Matthew 6:31-34 (I encourage you to get your Bible and read what the “therefore” is there for!)

God knows what we need! Isn’t that comforting? Not only that but He loves us and delights to give good gifts.

Now, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan or act wisely. Thoughtful planning can be an important part of wise stewardship. We should save, invest prudently, prepare for retirement, protect our families, and make thoughtful financial decisions.

But there is a difference between planning for the future and living in fear of the future. We can make plans while recognizing that ultimately, our future is in God’s hands. Proverbs 16:9 puts it this way:

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

Our responsibility is to seek God and be faithful with what He has entrusted to us today. We can trust Him for that and everything else.

What Can We Do?

When the world feels uncertain, it’s easy to get worried about things we cannot control. But we can surrender these worries to an all-powerful God.

1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

In His sovereign plan, He has put many things in your control and you can focus on what He’s entrusted to you.

Your walk with Christ. Your family. Your job. Your wealth. Your time. The list goes on! If you pause and think about it, you have many things in your control and many things to be thankful for!

So if you’re feeling anxious about the economy, your investments, the state of the world, or something happening in your own life, take a moment to step back from the headlines.

Remember who is ultimately in control. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we know the One who does! And because we know Him, we can face an uncertain future with hope.