What to Do When You’re Not Sure What’s Next: Finding Clarity in Seasons of Uncertainty
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In May of 2024, I felt the Lord calling me to leave teaching and step into the magical, wonderful, and unpredictable world of traditional publishing. I was ecstatic. This is what I wanted to do for decades. But at the same time, fear swept over me. Instead of hearing opportunity, I heard scarcity. Loss of income, benefits, and insurance. Instead of stability and security, I heard uncertainty and fear of the unknown.
Over the last year and a half, this journey has been everything and more than I dreamed of pursuing. It’s completely different than teaching, and while it has good and bad days, I now love what I do. That has made all the difference. And yet, I’ve felt the Lord stirring something unsettling in my spirit. I know I’m called to write, but what do I do with that? I’m passionate about mental health, but how do I become a lived-experience expert? You tell me I have a voice, but traditional publishers tell me I’m not Sadie Robertson (yep, that one hurt)?
Can you relate? Even if you’re not a writer, I suspect you’ve faced forks in the road where you’re not sure where to turn next. Maybe it’s deciding on a college or a career. Maybe you’re having trouble picking out that first job. For others of you, maybe it’s trying to find solid friends or the “one” you will marry. No matter what you’re facing, life is full of uncertainty for all of us. The question is, how will we respond? What if these seasons aren’t wasted, but can be formative, meaningful, and even clarifying if we approach them intentionally?
1. Remember God’s Faithfulness
Especially in times of distress and unfamiliarity, it’s important to remind ourselves of God’s past faithfulness. Why? Because as humans, we easily forget all that God has done for us and brought us through.
In Psalm 77, the psalmist cries out to God in exhaustion and overwhelm. He has no clue when his rescue will come, and he’s ready to throw in the towel. But then, in verse 11, he tells his soul to remember.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11, NIV).
In the midst of confusion and uncertainty, the last thing we want to do is remember where we once were. The places where we felt confident the Lord was calling us. But remembering now helps put our present-day troubles into perspective. Not because we magically have the answers, but because we trust in our God who will answer them.
2. Remember God’s Word
Beyond recalling specific places and prayers, God has remained faithful in our lives; it can also be helpful to look at His Word. I know this probably sounds basic and too simplistic, but the Word of God is active, alive, and powerful to transform our lives. This is why Psalm 77:12 continues this way:
“I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:12, NIV). Because our Psamist isn’t just remembering when and where God showed up, but how His Word points to that credibility all along. God’s Word is the eternal truth. We need it to satisfy our hungry souls. But the best part about His Word is that it never changes.
In Malachi 3:6, we read that the Lord is faithful and never changing. Matthew 24:35 notes, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (NIV). Hebrews 13:8 tells us Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (ESV). And “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17, ESV).
Each of these Scriptures tells us to remember God’s Word because it can never be taken from us. When you learn to write these words on your heart, you will be equipped to face any season of uncertainty. That doesn’t mean it’ll be any less stressful to face, but it does mean you’ll be grounded in the truth that can never be taken away from you.