Wading through the Waves of Uncertainty

Our lives are riddled with uncertainty and confusion. As we learn to trust in the Lord and act on gospel principles, we’ll find answers to our deepest questions.

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles . . . run, and not be weary . . . walk, and not faint.” —Isaiah 40: 31

Photo by Rachel Pfuetzner

Lately, my conversations with friends have consisted of debating what to study, who to date, whether to get married, what job to take, and what activities to do more often. As young adults, we’re bombarded with endless opportunities to make decisions—and it can be overwhelming. At times, we may want God to make all our decisions for us. Instead, he allows us to use our agency and make our own decisions.

In the BYU devotional address “Waiting upon the Lord: The Antidote to Uncertainty,” Professor Erin Holmes discusses principles that we can apply as we wait for answers from God. She explains that “this waiting is the antidote for uncertainty” and that applying these principles can help us understand God’s plan and find reassurance in his love for us. One of these principles is that we must actively seek God in order to find him. If we turn toward God in our uncertainty, we will be deeply blessed. In Isaiah 40:31 the Lord promises, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

I’ve passed through a lot of uncertainty in the past few years as I’ve struggled with questions relating to a mission, marriage, and education. Although I didn’t recognize it at the time, that uncertainty allowed me to draw closer to the Lord and rely on him for strength and endurance. Praying for patience and humility allowed me to put my trust in the Lord as I actively sought my own answers.

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To learn about other principles for dealing with uncertainty, read Professor Erin Holmes’s devotional address: “Waiting upon the Lord: The Antidote to Uncertainty.”

Source: BYU Speeches

—Rebecca Flinders, Mormon Insights

feature image by john chavez

Find more insights

Read Elder Larry Y. Wilson’s talk “Let the Holy Spirit Guide” to learn how the Spirit can guide you.

For more on receiving revelation, read Elder David A. Bednar’s talk “The Spirit of Revelation.”

Read Elder Holland’s talk “The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship” for additional insights on how God gives us revelation.  

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