Guiding Scripture: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
🔴 How Can Christians Cope in Uncertain Times?
I remember it like it was yesterday, the day my husband lost his job.
I was sitting down at the computer to get some writing done when he came into our bedroom, looking like he weighted the world on his shoulders. He smiled at me, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.
I glanced at the clock. It was 10 in the morning. My husband never came home from work at 10 in the morning.
“Sweetheart,” he said, “I have some bad news. I just got laid off, but we’re going to be okay. I need you to trust me.”
My stomach dropped. My husband has been the breadwinner for most of our marriage, allowing me to stay home with our two kids and work part-time as a writer, editor, and podcaster. For a two-income household, a job loss is challenging but usually survivable. For us, it was devastating.
The next three years were an emotional rollercoaster for our family, a series of disappointments and frustrations as job offers appeared and then fell apart just as quickly. It was a time of wild uncertainty for us, and only the grace of God got us through it.
Sounds a lot like this year, doesn’t it? Between a global pandemic, a flailing economy, severe racial unrest, and one of the most vicious presidential elections in recent history, 2020 has been all about uncertainty. No matter who you are or what your status, your world has been turned upside-down this year. How are we as Christians supposed to handle it all?
Fortunately, Jesus told us that days like this would come, and He has already given us everything we need to endure and thrive.
Three ways for us to cope as followers of Christ:
- Trust God and seek Him in prayer. As Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Whenever we feel overwhelmed by events that seem out of our control, our first response should be to go to our Heavenly Father.
- Step away from social media and the news. Studies show that higher amounts of screen time are related to higher levels of anxiety and depression. Try limiting your screen time to certain times of the day, or a certain length of time each day. Avoid checking your phone first thing in the morning or right before bed.
- Meditate on promises in God’s word that apply to your specific situation. Many theologians claim that God has made thousands of commitments to us in His Word literally. No matter what kind of obstacle you’re facing, there is probably a promise in the Bible that speaks directly to it. Lately, I’ve been meditating on:
2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
As the old saying goes, “We may not know what tomorrow knows, but we know who holds tomorrow.” In other words, while we may not be able to change these uncertain times we’re living in, we can always find rest and hope in Jesus. He has overcome the world, and because He lives in us, we will too.
~Lisa C. Gant
LISA C. GANT: CEO & Founder of Purpose Without Apology, the Podcast. Tune in for weekly podcasts and connect with Lisa on Instagram. Visit www.lisacgant.com for more information.
This devotional was written by Lisa C. Gant a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose®. Edited by Torrie Slaughter in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
© Torrie Slaughter, LLC; Torrie Slaughter Photography, and Our Given Purpose®
