ShirleyREST IN UNCERTAINTY
Rest in uncertainty
There is no logical reason how one should be able to experience rest in uncertainty but……..
The dictionary defines rest as: ceasing to work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength. On the other hand, it defines uncertainty as a situation in which something is not known, or certain.
Looking at the definitions of both words, one thing that comes out clearly is that there is no logical reason how one should be able to connect uncertainty with rest. They are not one and the same thing. In fact, even the idea of putting them in the same sentence does not make sense. When one thinks of rest, it brings to mind: safety, enough sleep, security, certainty, peace, joy, tranquillity, calmness, relaxation, confidence, rejuvenation, contentment, stress free, love, trust, faith, hope, assurance etc. Uncertainty on the other hand brings to mind negative emotions that include: fear, chaos, turmoil anxiety, rejection, inadequate, forgotten, worry, inner turmoil, pain, despair, loss, restlessness, torment, exposed, vulnerable, stress, hopeless, sleep deprivation, anger, frustration, depression, pain, discomfort, isolation, lack of confidence, loneliness, disappointment, sadness, confusion, fatigue, irritability, and feelings of being overwhelmed, out of control or unprotected, etc. So, technically there is no way that one should be able to find any rest when life feels or is uncertain.
However, the bible introduces this completely radical, preposterous, and completely outrageous idea that: rest can indeed be found in uncertainty and not just when life feels certain (Acts 16:25-26; Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 11:28; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 4). Hence, based on the word of God, the logical conclusion is that although your life may be falling apart on every side, the good book promises that even this is not except from accessing God’s rest. Imagine that!
This one concept, this idea of finding rest in uncertainty has boggled my mind and has had me questioning everything I have ever thought about life and even my salvation. It has been the most difficult one for me to grasp because like everyone else I love control. I thrive on the illusion of it. I used to believe that I have control of everything that happens in my life and that mastering control would lead to certainty, and that this would then eventually give birth to rest, but in last few years life has humbled me weeeeeee! Life has surely showed me just how little control I have, and I must admit it was a difficult truth to learn but it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me because it came with freedom. The kind of freedom that allows me to live fearlessly.
So why is certainty such an attractive idea for most of us you may ask? This is because when we are born into this earth we are introduced to the concept of certainty either directly or indirectly through our social interactions and experiences. Certainty is the currency by which we operate with and aspire to in all matters concerning our lives. In fact, allow me to say that certainty is the foundation of success. Indeed, hidden in the crevasses of every goal, hope, and need, is this desire and longing to attain certainty, and if that is not possible to at least fly close enough to see it. It is also important to note that behind the pursuit for certainty is this need to feel safe in order finally rest. Hence, we are taught to pursue certainty it in everything we do because it is the easiest way to ensure safety in all matters in our life or so we are made to believe. Therefore, we grow up to be seekers of certainty because we believe if we can find it, we can find rest.
Therefore, we can all appreciate why certainty is so alluring, and why when we feel it is slip out of our grasps, we often feel like everything is falling apart and we cannot find rest. Further, seeking certainty acts as a balm for our ego. The idea that there are steps we(I) can take to full proof my life from uncertainty does add that bounce to my step because it gives a false sense of control. It makes me feel like I control the outcomes of my life. It gives glory to ‘I’ and these works wonders for my ego.
So we spend our days seeking certainty in people, relationships, things, accomplishment, and get surprised when we get to the end and find that certainty is an impossibility in this world, it is not attainable because it does not exist! We are all existing in an uncertainty loop whether we are aware of it or not. It is constantly moving from one uncertainty to another. Granted there are seasons that lull us with a false sense of certainty, a dream job that promises permanency, amassing wealth, finding and keeping love, good health insurance, financial savings, a good health report, building or buying a house or houses, recognition for your contribution in your work, favour with the boss that likes you, finding a community where you feel like we belong, the gift of a healthy child or children, attaining your dream body, consistency in living a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet and fitness, good success in your work be it in employment or entrepreneurship, and the list goes on, but the truth is there are not certain. While all the above are good and dandy, all these things can be lost or destroyed in the flick of an eye. So, chasing after these things in search of certainty is like chasing the wind. It is like being a hamster on a never-ending wheel- a tiresome endeavour that will never give you the rest that it promises.
God asks us to trade this tiresome search for certainty in things, people and accomplishments and instead to follow Him in order to experience true rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Interestingly enough, while certainty is about seeking safety in what you think you can control, touch and access, God asks us to put our trust in Him even though we cannot see or control Him. Further, He is a God whose love we cannot earn, a love that is unconditional but is given to us freely. A God who sacrificed His son for us when we were all still sinners and could not even understand the magnitude of the sacrifice that was made on our behalf (Romans 5:8; John 3:16). A God who created us and everything in this world and still gives us the choice to pick Him ((John 1:12-13). Yes, a God who is a complete contradiction to the systems and rules of this world (Isaiah 55:8; Corinthians 3:19). A complete contradiction to the certainty we spend our days seeking. So yes, it is only in Him that we can find rest in uncertainty (Acts 16:25-26; Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 11:28; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 4)!
So, if you really think about it, a season of uncertainty should be the best season for anyone who claims to be a Christian because often it is only in uncertain situations that we can completely surrender. It is only here that we have no doubt but to acknowledge that we are completely inept and incapable of changing the outcome that we are seeking and it is only here where we can truly surrender, and give it all to God. And it is only in surrender to God where rest is found in great abundance. Also, it is in surrender where we can be obedient to the word and live by faith and not by what we can see or touch!
These days when I experience uncertainty in any area of my life, I try not to fret. I instead let go of control and I take it to God in prayer and surrender it. Surrender requires me to release the script of how I think it should go no matter how badly I desire my preferred outcome, and to trust that however God choses to answer my prayer, it will work out for my good. After which, I mark the spot of my surrender boldly and I lay my bed there. It is in this marked spot riddled with uncertainty where I find the truest form of rest.
I know you may not believe me now, but having walked with the Lord this far, I have seen God’s work, and often He does His best work in areas I label as uncertain. Hence these days not knowing is not something I rebuff but that I try to celebrate because I know it is not my job to know how , when or even if it will happen, it is however, my job as a follower of Christ to trust Him and to believe that He can do anything, above and beyond what I could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20 ), and that whatever He chooses will eventually work out for my good(Romans 8:28)!
Pics by: Aleksandar Cvetanovic on unsplash