The Dangerous Roads of Uncertainity

#127

Friend,

If you were to list your least favorite phrases to say, I’m guessing, “I was wrong” and “I don’t know” are at the top.

We don’t like being wrong (that’s probably a letter for another day), but today let’s talk about uncertainty.

Uncertainty is the inability to know why something happened or what is about to happen. (I wonder, is our dislike of uncertainty why we like Hallmark Christmas movies?) There is something comforting about knowing what will happen. The simplicity of 2+2=4 is wonderful. But most of life is not basic addition, but algebra or even calculus.

With uncertainty, there are many dangerous roads to choose:

1. Oversimplify- In our desire to relieve our anxiety, we often look for someone or something to save us from the problem and solve it instantly. (i.e. most weight-loss ads)

2. Avoidance- “That’s too much for me to deal with right now, I’m just going to do something else.” (That’s my go-to.)

3. Outburst- Our uncertain energy explodes into an outward expression of emotion. This can take various forms (and can be healthy to a degree to release that pressure.)

If you find yourself at an uncertain intersection, let me recommend two things to help you move forward.

1. Community- we need insight, we need comfort, and we need others. Life may still be uncertain, but not being alone is key.

2. Perspective- one of the things that I have to remind myself of is that this uncertainty is not a threat to my life. It is important, but I am safe, have overcome adversity before, and am not alone.

This is one reason I believe in the importance of being active in church including in a small group or class. You naturally put yourself into community, so that when (not if) the storms of life come, you have people. And hearing the stories of scripture, the stories of others, and worshipping an infinite God provide the necessary perspective to face your own uncertainty.

If you don’t currently have a place of community and perspective, then let me know, and I’d be honored to help you.

Love,

Aaron