Encouragement if you're worried and fear the unknown and uncertain future

𝑬𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆

You may be worried about circumstances, people or your unknown future. I want to encourage you with the words spoken by a veteran of some of life’s most severe storms and battles to a group of similarly worried people.

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

This unique nation had spent half a lifetime journeying to their homeland. More challenges lay ahead: an uncrossable river in full flow, and fierce opponents with no intention of accommodating the newcomers who were seeking to regain their Promised Land.

To make matters worse their leader for the preceding forty years would not be with them: his death was imminent.

Knowing he would not lead them into a future where they would face powerful enemies, Moses confidently assured the Israelites they should put their faith in the God of Israel: “For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

This God has not changed but revealed himself fully in Jesus Christ. Becoming accessible to all people, he speaks and reinforces Moses’ words to us today.

This God has not changed but revealed himself fully in Jesus Christ. Becoming accessible to all people, he speaks and reinforces Moses’ words to us today.

Moses' assurance wasn't based on their strength or circumstances, but on God's unchanging character and presence. The same God who parted seas and provided in the wilderness promised to go ahead of them, never leaving or forsaking them.

This promise echoes throughout Scripture and finds its fullest expression in Jesus, who said, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). No matter what unknowns lie ahead—changes in health, relationships, work, or the world—He walks before you, beside you, and within you through His Spirit.

So, “don’t be afraid and don’t panic”: imagine putting your hand in God’s, a gracious, forgiving and loving Heavenly Father. Speak out, even write down, your concerns and picture presenting them to him. Let him carry your burden and step forward, trusting in him for each day, one at a time.

So, “don’t be afraid and don’t panic”: imagine putting your hand in God’s, a gracious, forgiving and loving Heavenly Father. Speak out, even write down, your concerns and picture presenting them to him. Let him carry your burden and step forward, trusting in him for each day, one at a time.

He will be there ahead of you, walking with you for life’s entire journey. He will never leave your side.

You are safe and secure with him.

Here are a few more verses that reinforce this truth when fear of the future creeps in:

• Isaiah 41:10 — “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” 

• Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

• Psalm 23:4 — “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

• Hebrews 13:5 (echoing Deuteronomy) — “...For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”

Take one day at a time, trusting that the same faithful God who led Israel into their promised land is leading you into yours.

You are never alone. He is already in your tomorrow, preparing the way.

You are never alone. He is already in your tomorrow, preparing the way.