Day 23 - In the midst of uncertainty, we must have faith

Lead, kindly Light, amidst th'encircling gloom, lead Thou me on!

John Henry Newman

What a world we live in.

It is fair to say that we live in uncertain times. This feeling, however, is nothing new. Many who have walked this earth throughout history have felt the weight of uncertainty upon them. Are things worse now, or has the reach of modern media simply amplified what has always been? Whatever the case, many do feel uncertainty when they look ahead.

Amid these times, our trust in God may be tested. God is a constant. It is through fully trusting God that our faith strengthens. Faith is essential when we face uncertain times. The world may change around us, but God is our constant. So, when life feels uncertain, our faith provides a solid foundation. In uncertain times, we must remember that God is in control, and He will guide us through.

The Bible tells us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). This verse reminds us that faith is not about seeing everything clearly. It’s about trusting that God is working, even when we can’t see the whole picture.

When writing this piece I was put in mind of John Henry Newman’s Lead kindly light, and in particular the line, ‘I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me’. The modern equivalent may be to say, ‘take one day at a time’, ‘just play it by ear’, or even, in the words of (I think) Kris Kristofferson, sung by Lena Martell, ‘One day at a time, sweet Jesus’.

Perhaps what I am trying to say is that faith is not necessarily a blind leap into the dark, but rather a journey with a hidden understanding. A hidden understanding with the hope that further understanding will be given. True faith should always question, always reach out, and, most importantly, always desire. A journey receptive enough that inward reflection can penetrate outward. This spiritual journey takes place in our everyday lives. The Bible, although at times complex, can also provide a profound simplicity as it describes the spiritual journey as an awakening from sleep, or the healing of blind eyes or deaf ears. For it is through our daily lives that we gain more and more spiritual sight and hearing, and thus more and more understanding.

The world may always be uncertain to us, our path may always be littered with obstacles, but irrespective of what stands in our way, with the encouragement of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, and emboldened by the Holy Spirit, may we all continue to put one foot in front of the other and walk deeper into this great mystery.

Let us keep believing. Let us keep trusting. And let us trust that God is at work, even when we cannot see it.

Gwyn Davies