Today I recall Oswald Chambers’ phrase “Gracious Uncertainty” and how he discusses how we are certain in our uncertainty because of God. He writes, “We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God.”
I like to remember that when I feel uncertain in a decision or in my circumstances, I can be certain of God’s unchanging character and ability to guide, protect, and provide wherever I am. God’s activity in my life doesn’t depend upon my ability to know anything with certainty. Chambers advises, on uncertain days, to surrender to God and just do the next, closest thing. He say, “As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises.” Chambers uses the language of spontaneous, joyful, expectant uncertainty.
It’s a reframing of what causes us so much stress and anxiety. What if we delighted in uncertainty? That’s a different way of living with flair for me. When I feel like I must be certain about this or that thing–and begin to shake under all that’s unknown or unplanned–I remember that when I am uncertain of myself, I am certain of God.