Most of us make plans. We plan or envision our life one year, five years, ten years from now and even envision ourselves much older. While what we have planned does come to pass at times, there are also times it doesn’t. For example, no matter how much you have planned for a meeting at work, sometimes the meeting has to be canceled or rescheduled due to other circumstances. We also experience similar circumstances in other areas of life. In other words, the future is uncertain. The good thing is that it is only uncertain from our limited human perspective regarding God, who works all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11).
Father in heaven, I thank You because You have gone before me and work all things according to the counsel of Your will. Therefore, though I don’t know what the future may hold, I walk securely with the assurance that Your providence is always at work. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Good Prayer in Uncertainty
What Can We Pray in Times of Uncertainty?
During times of uncertainty, it is a good idea to return to God’s Word and revisit what the Scripture says about who He is. Remembering who God is comforts us as we face the uncertain future. This also means we should pray and confess those Scriptures in prayer. When we pray the Scriptures, we are not just merely reciting them. As we confess them, we believe and reorient our hearts. Hence, if you are afraid and anxious about the uncertain future, confess verses about who God is, and the comfort that the Bible ministers will change the disposition of your heart.
For example, Psalm 139:7-12 tells us about God’s omnipresence. He is everywhere; therefore, wherever we go, He is there. The psalmist, King David, wonders where he shall go. If he goes to the heavens, God is there. Even in Sheol, God’s presence is there. God is still there if he goes to the east or the west. In other words, if we can never outrun God’s presence, we can trust Him that no matter what our future holds, He will be there with us. In Deuteronomy 31:6, it is also written that He will never leave nor forsake us.
Heavenly Father, no matter how worried I am about what the future holds, I will have peace because I know that You are with me. My confidence in facing the future is knowing that Your presence is with me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Good Prayer in Uncertainty
Romans 8:28 states that all things work together for the good of those who love God. It brings us comfort knowing that no matter what circumstance we may find ourselves in, just like in the life of Joseph, God works everything for our good. It’s not like God lost track of things. He is still sovereign (Psalm 97). Finally, learning from the life of Joseph will give us peace and assurance. It is through him that we learn whatever the enemy or the world has meant for evil, God works it around for our good (Genesis 50:20).
Father in heaven, I thank You, for You work all things for my good. Your divine love always orchestrates that which is good for me, and no circumstance can separate me from the love of Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Good Prayer in Uncertainty
Psalm 23 alone is already good enough to ponder as you face the future. It tells us that God is our shepherd. As we journey in life without knowing what the future holds, God is our shepherd who leads, feeds, and guides us. That should be a big comfort to you. It also tells us that He is with us. Therefore, even if the future feels like a valley of the shadow of death, there is nothing to fear, for His rod and staff comfort us. Also, no matter where we are in life in the future, surely God’s goodness and mercy will follow us.
Heavenly Father, whether the future is like walking on the mountain or in the valley, I have the confidence to persevere no matter what, knowing that You are my shepherd who always holds me and that Your goodness and mercy follow me wherever I am. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Good Prayer in Uncertainty
How to Pray in Times of Uncertainty
As mentioned above, when we pray, we pray the Scriptures that remind us who God is and the ones that comfort us as we face the uncertain future. As we use them to pray, we confess them and remind our hearts, which are anxious about the uncertain future, to receive peace. Also, when we pray, we pray to God from a posture of humility. Indeed, we may not know the future, but He does, and He is the One who works all things, holds all things, and is still the One enthroned and reigns over everything (Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 4:16). Remember that as you confess truths in prayer, which in turn shape your heart, you are also trusting God.
Heavenly Father, I don’t know what the future holds, but one thing I know is that You are a good Father. You work everything for my good, and no matter where I go, Your goodness and mercy always follow me. Whether it is a mountain or a dark valley, You are with me, for You are my shepherd. I can only go through this journey because of You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Good Prayer in Uncertainty
Though our plans may or may not come to fruition or the future may not be what we expected, there is something more certain than our uncertainty of the future—God’s love. In Christ, we have the assurance that God is giving us all the grace and mercy we need as we journey through life, for His grace is greater than whatever deep sorrows we may have. Also, we are not beyond need of grace whatever season of rejoicing we may be in.