Real Hope: Uncertainty & DoubtSample

Spiritual Markers

I’m not a natural hiker, but I do know that hikers rely on markers to know that they’re following the right track and won’t get lost. I know that if I were to ever go on a hike, I’d be putting a lot of confidence in those markers, trusting that they were leading me in the right direction.

The theological truths we hold onto in times of uncertainty and doubt are the same. What are the things that you know are true, no matter what anything else around you looks like?

Years ago I began writing a list of these things. The first verse I wrote down was Hebrews 13:8. This verse means that no matter what else is going on in my life, I am reminded and encouraged that God does not change! The theological term is immutable. God does not change over time, and, in fact, He cannot change. For His steadfastness, faithfulness, goodness, mercy, graciousness, love, kindness and so much more are who He is. It’s His indelible nature.

When my best friend died of cancer, when my job was a mess, when I’d had a falling out with a friend, when I was broke and stressed, when I was anxious and felt like the darkness would last forever, my spiritual markers have given me the ability to confidently trust God as I took each step, one at a time.

What are your spiritual markers—the things that give you confidence and a grip hold when things around you feel super uncertain and slippery? Maybe today is a good day to begin writing your list. The things you know to be true—and will be each and every day.

Written by KATIE SMITH

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