Joy in the Midst of Uncertainty

by Brian Waple

(NOTE: This Last Word would not have been possible without the help of my wife, Cindy Waple!)

The past few days have been a real blessing in that we’ve had some warm weather, which helps me anticipate the coming of spring and the relief from a harsh winter. I can imagine it’s not unlike the joy the early disciples felt in Jesus’s presence and in being partakers in His ministry, seeing Him as the One who would free them from the oppressive Roman occupation. However, I have witnessed enough springs in my lifetime to know that today’s warmth and sunshine can easily change to clouds and rain tomorrow, maybe even snow. And in a few weeks we will remember how the disciples’ joy turned to despair and uncertainty as they watched the One they had placed their hope in die on a cross.

Anticipating their uncertainty, Jesus went out of His way to tell His disciples what was coming. He prayed on their behalf (John 17). Knowing what was coming and knowing how they would react, He told them several times what would happen to him (Matthew 16:21; Mark 10:32–34; Luke 9:21–22; John 12:23–33). As I’m sure it was hard for them to understand and believe, I have my moments in which uncertainly leads to unbelief. But during times of uncertainty, I know it is only the truth of Jesus’s words that keep me focused on Him and give me a measure of joy.

In addition, Jesus cast a vision for the disciples that through Him, they would be accepted into a new kingdom. This new kingdom would be a place of eternal joy in His presence. As I sit in my uncertainty, I recall the words of John as he describes this new kingdom in Revelation:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” (Revelation 21:1–7)

Reflecting on that, I can look at my uncertainty with new eyes, knowing that my present reality is not God’s reality.

What uncertainty are you facing today? What is causing you feelings of anxiousness and worry? Where do you see your belief slipping into unbelief? How do Jesus’s words of hope comfort you in your uncertainty? In Christ, we have reason to experience joy, even though we are not completely certain what is coming. In the not knowing, we can accept through faith His promise to us.

May we all enjoy the sun and warmth of today and trust that tomorrow’s rain and clouds can never take away the joy of Jesus’s eternal promises of hope, healing, and renewed life.

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