Do you think we can thrive in the face of uncertainty? What would it take to make that a possibility? How do we persevere in the unknown. After all, most of us are starting this year out with a lot of uncertainty.
What Does It Take to Persevere in the Unknown?
It takes focus! However, our focus must be on the right component. It can’t be on us and our abilities. Nor can we only stare at our circumstances. Have you ever noticed the more we concentrate on our troubles, the more our despair increases? Our fear and our worry will skyrocket.
Our concentration needs to be on something more significant. It isn’t always easy. After all, we are human, and our thoughts sometimes feel uncontrollable. Yet, we all can choose to push the thoughts aside and focus on what will give us peace, joy, and the strength to persevere.
We Must Turn Our Focus to God
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2
Have you ever had a child missing? You worry if they are cold and hungry or in danger. The fear of the unknown threatens to steal every ounce of energy you can muster up. You find yourself struggling to keep moving forward. Your mind becomes so cluttered with concern that making decisions and a plan seems impossible, yet your child needs you.
I have been there, and the only way through it for me was to focus on God. Slowly but surely, as I turned my face towards Him, my worries turned into trust, and my mind was able to quiet and to hear God’s voice and plan.
When we focus on God, it helps us embrace the unknown and thrive in the midst of it.
How to Focus on God
Be Present With the Lord
Sit at His feet daily. Push away all of the distractions and solely be with Him. Let this relationship be your most important one, especially when you can’t see the next step to take.
Listen carefully for what He might be asking; Jesus loves to ask questions to help us find our way. But don’t be afraid to inquire of Him. After all, questions help us to deepen relationships; why would it be any different with God?
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8 ESV
Remember What He Has Done
Recollect what God has done in the past. Think about the times God answered your prayers or those of someone else. You can even start with the stories in the Bible.
Practice Gratitude
When we turn our thoughts towards thankfulness, we begin to think less of our circumstances and more of our blessings. Plus, it reminds us how much God cares about us and the details.
What are the blessings that come to your mind?
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Strive for a God Perspective
When we are ultra-focused on what we think is right, we fail to see our situation from God’s viewpoint. Our vantage point is only a sliver of what God sees. He has the big picture in mind. We must shift our focus and seize what matters most to God.
Love is definitely at the top, as demonstrated by Jesus over and over again. He commanded us to love one another.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13 NIV
Jesus took the time to connect with others. He demonstrated over and over again that each of us has value.
Let Go of the Distractions
Jesus never let the distractions nor the busyness of life get in the way of spending time with His Father. Often in the Bible, we hear about Jesus removing himself to a quiet place to commune with God.
Will you do the same? Consider what keeps you from focusing on God. Is it possible to eliminate some of those distractions?
“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” Luke 5:16
Read His Word
We need to fill our minds with God’s Word daily, even if it is solely a few verses. God speaks so often to us through His Word, and we don’t want to miss His wisdom or comfort.
On more than one occasion, I have found myself dumbfounded when choosing to finally sit down and read what I thought did not correlate. It is impressive how the familiar stories we know suddenly give us a new message that speaks precisely to what we are going through.
Most recently, it was the story of Noah. It seemed unthinkable that a man who built an ark could somehow speak to my current situation. Yet, right there at that moment, I recognized how Noah must have looked like a fool building a boat. However, despite any ridicule, he was obedient.
The night before, someone had judged me harshly for the unique way my marriage looked. Yet, my husband and I had chosen this path after prayer and wise counsel to help a hurting child. The words spoken had rattled my mind. Noah gave me the courage to be obedient and keep my focus on God.
We Can Persevere in the Unknown
We all can endure the unknown to some degree. However, don’t you want to do more than just get through it? Don’t you want to thrive and persevere in the unknown? The number one way is to focus on God. Of course, it won’t wipe away the pain or frustration. However, when we focus on God, we will gain His wisdom, strength, and hope. But best of all, we will never be alone.
Please share with us what helps you the most to persevere in the unknown.
