Known in the Unknown

“As you walk through the unknown trust the known.”

Loren Thornburg

The unknown can bring all sorts of emotions including fear and anxiety. Yet if we look to those we know to go with us, ask those we know for wisdom, and focus our attention on other things that we know to be true the unknown becomes more known. For me, one who is not gifted with directions even the unknown of driving to a new location can bring unsettling emotions. Yet, if I have someone with me who has been there before and is familiar with the destination I am no longer fearful. In addition, if I get directions or have a GPS I am more at ease. I can also remind myself of previous experiences and other things that are true such as, I have driven to new places with success before and if I have trouble there are people I can call for help. The more I look to these resources and things that I know the less anxiety I find. Now, if only driving in unfamiliar territory was the biggest unknown that we face!! However, this principle is true even in the big stuff. For the transition to college, moving across the country, stepping into a new role, changing jobs, or whatever it is that you are facing it still applies. The more we can look to things that we know the less the fear and anxiety can take hold.

“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me...You will show me the way of life.”

Psalm 16: 8 & 11 NLT

We have a God who we can trust to show us the way of life. No matter where our unknown destination may be Jesus has been there before and is with us for the journey. Jesus is the one you want with you in the car when you don’t know where you’re going. You can ride easy with Him knowing that He has been there before, whatever it is that you are facing. Unfortunately sometimes we forget to look to Him for direction, to look to Him for comfort, to look to Him. For when we do we will not be shaken. He is our known because we KNOW that He is trustworthy, that He will never leave us, that He is good, that He has plans for us, that He will show us the way to life, that He loves us. In knowing that we can trust the unknowns that come our way. Knowing means being aware. The more we can fill our awareness with Jesus the more we can trust the unknown times of our lives. Be aware of what you know...Jesus leads to life!!