Finding Peace in Uncertainty Through God's Presence

Summary

Uncertainty is a reality that touches every life, no matter how strong our faith or how good our week has been. Even a couple of difficult days can overshadow the good, and the unknowns of life—whether it’s job loss, health scares, broken relationships, or spiritual disappointments—can leave us feeling anxious and unmoored. The fear of not having answers is real, and it’s easy to ruminate on what we don’t know or can’t control. Yet, in the midst of all this, God invites us to remember that He alone is our help, our keeper, and our protector.

Psalm 121 reminds us to lift our eyes to the hills and ask, “Where does my help come from?” The answer is clear: our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. God never asked us to have all the answers or to carry the weight of uncertainty alone. Instead, He calls us to lean on Him, to trust in His wisdom and provision, and to resist the urge to make our own plans apart from Him. Too often, we treat God as a backup plan, rushing to fix things ourselves and only inviting Him in when our efforts fail. But true peace comes from aligning ourselves with His will and seeking His guidance first.

God’s care is constant—He never sleeps or slumbers. Unlike people, who need rest and have limitations, God is always present, always alert, and always watching over us. When we feel alone or unsupported, especially in those late-night struggles, we can trust that God is with us, offering the comfort and security that no human can provide. Our faith is not in what we can see or touch, but in the unseen God who is always near.

God is also our keeper, the One who preserves and guards us. The Hebrew word “shamar” speaks of His active protection and preservation, even when we are tempted or under pressure. While God’s protection doesn’t mean we’ll never face hardship, it does mean He is with us through every trial, using even our struggles to shape us into the image of Christ. Hard times are not a sign of God’s absence, but an opportunity for growth and deeper trust.

Jesus Himself promised that in this world we will have trouble, but He also promised that He has overcome the world. Our hope is not in a trouble-free life, but in the God who is with us in every uncertainty. By meditating on His Word, spending time in prayer, and focusing on who He is, we find the strength to face the unknown with confidence and peace.

Key Takeaways

- God Alone Is Our Source of Help
When uncertainty strikes, it’s tempting to devise our own solutions and treat God as a last resort. But true security comes from recognizing that all help comes from the Lord, not from our own plans or resources. Aligning ourselves with God’s will and seeking His guidance first is the foundation for peace in uncertain times. [54:09]

- God’s Presence Is Constant and Unfailing
Unlike people, who need rest and have limitations, God never sleeps or slumbers. His watchfulness over us is unwavering, providing comfort and assurance even when we feel alone or unsupported. In moments when no one else is available, God’s presence is our greatest source of strength and hope. [59:54]

- God Is Our Keeper and Preserver
The repeated use of “keeper” in Psalm 121 highlights God’s active role in guarding and preserving us. The Hebrew word “shamar” means to keep, watch, and preserve, reminding us that God’s protection is not passive but intentional. Even in moments of temptation or struggle, God’s preserving grace is available if we remain close to Him. [01:05:19]

- Hardship Is Not Evidence of God’s Absence
Difficulties and trials are not signs that God has abandoned us; rather, they are opportunities for growth and sanctification. God uses pressure and adversity to shape our character, refine our faith, and make us more like Christ. His promise is not the absence of trouble, but His presence and protection through it. [01:08:25]

- Trusting God Means Embracing the Unknown
We are not called to have all the answers or to control every outcome. Instead, God invites us to trust Him with what we cannot see or understand, focusing on His Word and character rather than our circumstances. As we meditate on Scripture and draw near to Him, uncertainty loses its power over us, and we find peace in His sufficiency. [01:13:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer
[02:10] - The Reality of Uncertainty
[05:30] - The Power of Difficult Days
[08:15] - The Fear of the Unknown
[13:40] - Real-Life Examples of Uncertainty
[20:05] - When We Don’t Have Answers
[25:50] - Parenting and Pressure
[30:10] - God Has the Answers
[48:23] - Psalm 121: Our Help Comes from the Lord
[54:09] - God Is Our Keeper
[59:54] - God Never Sleeps
[01:05:19] - The Meaning of “Keeper” (Shamar)
[01:08:25] - Why Bad Things Still Happen
[01:13:29] - Trusting God in Uncertainty
[01:18:45] - Communion
[01:20:14] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Facing Uncertainty

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### Bible Reading

Psalm 121 (NASB)
> 1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
> From where shall my help come?
> 2 My help comes from the LORD,
> Who made heaven and earth.
> 3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
> He who keeps you will not slumber.
> 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
> Will neither slumber nor sleep.
> 5 The LORD is your keeper;
> The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
> 6 The sun will not smite you by day,
> Nor the moon by night.
> 7 The LORD will protect you from all evil;
> He will keep your soul.
> 8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in
> From this time forth and forever.

John 16:33 (NASB)
> “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

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### Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 121, what are some of the specific ways God is described as helping or protecting His people?
2. According to the sermon, what are some real-life examples of uncertainty that people face? ([13:40])
3. What does the Hebrew word “shamar” mean, and how does it relate to God’s role in our lives? ([01:05:19])
4. In John 16:33, what does Jesus promise about trouble in this world, and what encouragement does He give?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the psalmist repeats the word “keep” or “keeper” so many times in Psalm 121? What does this repetition tell us about God’s character? ([01:05:19])
2. The sermon mentions that God never sleeps or slumbers, unlike people. What does this mean for us when we feel alone or unsupported? ([59:54])
3. The pastor said that hardship is not evidence of God’s absence. How does this challenge the way people often interpret difficult times in their lives? ([01:08:25])
4. According to the sermon, what is the difference between making God our “plan A” versus treating Him as a backup plan? ([54:09])

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### Application Questions

1. When you face uncertainty, what is your first instinct—do you try to fix things yourself, or do you turn to God first? Can you think of a recent situation where you did one or the other? ([54:09])
2. The sermon talked about how we often make our own plans and then ask God to bless them. Is there an area in your life right now where you need to pause and seek God’s guidance before moving forward? ([56:02])
3. The pastor shared that God’s presence is constant, even when no one else is around. How can you remind yourself of God’s nearness during late-night struggles or moments of loneliness? ([59:54])
4. Think about a time when you felt God was “preserving” or “keeping” you through a hard season. What did that look like, and how did it shape your faith? ([01:05:19])
5. The sermon said that hard times are opportunities for growth, not signs of God’s absence. Is there a current struggle in your life that you can view differently in light of this truth? ([01:08:25])
6. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” How does knowing that trouble is promised—but so is God’s presence—change the way you approach challenges? ([01:13:29])
7. The pastor encouraged us to meditate on God’s Word and spend time in prayer to find peace in uncertainty. What is one practical step you can take this week to make that a reality in your daily routine? ([01:13:29])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to share one area of uncertainty they are facing, and pray together for God’s help, presence, and peace.

Devotional

Day 1: All Help Comes from God
In times of uncertainty, it is easy to scramble for solutions, seeking help from friends, family, or even technology, but true and lasting help comes only from the Lord. When life throws curveballs and the unknown looms large, God invites you to look to Him first, not as a backup plan, but as your primary source of strength and guidance. Instead of rushing to create your own plans and asking God to bless them after the fact, seek to align yourself with what He is already blessing. Trust that He is the one who made heaven and earth, and He alone is able to sustain you through every trial. [54:45]

Psalm 121:1-8 (NASB)
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.

Reflection: What is one area of uncertainty in your life where you have been relying on your own plans or other people for help? How can you intentionally turn to God first and seek His guidance today?


Day 2: God Never Sleeps—He Is Always Present
Unlike people who need rest and can only be present for you some of the time, God never sleeps and is always watching over you. His constant presence means you are never truly alone, even in your loneliest or most vulnerable moments. When you feel isolated or when no one else is available to support you, remember that God is fully alert, attentive, and ready to help. He is not limited by human weakness or fatigue, and you can trust Him to be with you in every situation, day or night. [01:05:19]

Psalm 46:1-3 (NASB)
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

Reflection: When have you felt most alone or unsupported? How can you remind yourself of God’s constant presence and turn to Him in those moments instead of relying solely on human support?


Day 3: God Is Our Keeper and Preserver
God’s role as your keeper means He is actively watching over, preserving, and guarding you, even when you face temptation or struggle with sin. His preservation is not just about keeping you safe from harm, but also about shaping your character and helping you endure through difficult times. When you are tempted to reach for something or someone else for comfort, remember that God’s protection is most effective when you remain close to Him, trusting in His ability to keep you steady and whole. [01:08:25]

Psalm 121:5-8 (NASB)
The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s preserving power instead of seeking comfort or escape elsewhere? What would it look like to stay “in the pocket” with God this week?


Day 4: God’s Protection Does Not Mean a Trouble-Free Life
God never promised that following Him would mean a life free from hardship or pain; instead, He promises to be your protector and refuge in the midst of trouble. The reality is that bad things happen to everyone, but God’s presence and protection are what sustain you through the storms. Trials and difficulties are not signs of God’s absence, but opportunities for your faith to grow and for God’s power to be displayed in your life. Take heart, knowing that Jesus Himself said you would have trouble, but also that He has overcome the world. [01:13:29]

John 16:33 (NASB)
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Reflection: Think of a recent hardship or ongoing struggle. How can you shift your focus from asking “Why is this happening?” to “How is God protecting and shaping me through this?”


Day 5: Meditate on God’s Word to Overcome Uncertainty
The key to overcoming anxiety about the unknown is to immerse yourself in God’s Word and spend time in prayer, focusing on who He is rather than on your circumstances. The more you meditate on Scripture and draw near to God, the less power uncertainty will have over your mind and heart. You do not have to know all the answers or have everything figured out; you only need to trust the One who does. Let God’s promises wash over you, bringing peace and clarity even when life feels unpredictable. [01:18:45]

Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Reflection: What is one practical way you can meditate on God’s Word today—such as memorizing a verse, journaling, or praying through a passage—to help you face uncertainty with faith?

Quotes

God is our help as plan B. We don’t say it, but he ain’t plan A. He plan B. I’m going to start this first. Here’s, okay, first, I’m going to set this up then. And you hope that God come in and fix, like, here, God, here’s my plan. Bless this. That’s not how he works. Your prayer should be, make me a part of what you’re blessing. You know, put me in step with you so I can be aligned with you and walk in obedience. Then that’s where the blessing come from. [00:55:49] (32 seconds)  #GodIsPlanA Edit Clip

People are amazing, but people will amazingly let you down. God will not. And he will give you the love and grace in your heart to love those people even through it, because guess what, at some point you would have let down or two. Come on, let’s humble up. [01:03:48] (18 seconds)  #GraceInHumanWeakness Edit Clip

That late night struggle when all your accountability partners asleep and seeing is at the door, sometimes literally, sometimes literally, don’t answer that door, don’t answer that door every time. God is with us. I’m telling you, that late night sin struggle is real, but I’m here to tell you, you cannot lean on the excuse of man, when nobody here for me, I try to call everybody and man, God just don’t care. That’s a lie and you wanted to sin. Sin is a choice. You don’t have a right to make a bad decision because you couldn’t reach somebody, especially when God is omnipotent and omnipresent, he’s always there. [01:04:15] (40 seconds)  #ResistLateNightTemptations Edit Clip

There was never a promise that as you start following him, being obedient to him, that nothing would happen. And I think that’s the lie that we’ve brought ourselves to believe as Christians. God, I’m obedient, I follow you, I do this, I do that, I do everything, why are you allowing this thing to happen to my family? Because I never promised that it wouldn’t. I told you that I would be there for you even in the midst of these things. The mountains are falling, I’m right there sheltering you. [01:12:56] (30 seconds)  #NoPromisesOfEase Edit Clip

You want to win against uncertainty? Meditate on God’s word. Here’s an application point for you, for us: meditate on God’s word. You want to be free of uncertainty and of the unknown and not worry about it? Meditate on the word, spend time with God in prayer, focus on who he is, because the more we focus on the actual situation, the more we start to fall apart, the more we start to plan and think we can get it under control. Keep your face in God’s word day and night and then watch uncertainty flee from your mind like a cheetah running from a lion. [01:15:07] (37 seconds)  #OvercomeThroughFaith Edit Clip