Trusting God With My Future

Note 

This entry discusses feelings of worry and anxiety, which we all experience from time to time. However, at times, anxiety can become particularly overwhelming, debilitating, and all-consuming. If this feels like what you are currently experiencing, please tell a parent or trusted adult, and with them, seek out the help of a qualified biblical counsellor or your doctor. Together, these professionals can direct you to the truths of God's Word and attend to your specific physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.

TRUSTING GOD WITH MY FUTURE

Read Luke 12.22-34, Revelation 21.3-4

As a teenager in today's world, anxiety may be a regular feature of your life. There are many pressures that come with being a teenager, mostly relating to the future. But the Bible tells us to not be anxious about our lives or futures, instead, it offers us hope. Today, on Christmas Day, we'll discuss how Jesus's birth gives us hope for the future because we know He is in control over all things.

Our Anxieties of the Future

Your current stage of life is probably full of excitement and anticipation. Like Mary before the angel visited her, you're young and have your whole life ahead of you. But the many unknowns may cause you anxiety, Will I pass that big test coming up? Will my new friendship last? What colleges will I get into, and which one should I attend? The list goes on and on. The future is a scary place- and for the most part, it's out of your control. Our natural human response to things outside of our control is to worry, but the Bible tells us there is a better way.

Jesus Offers Us Hope for the Future

In today's passage, Jesus tells His disciples that they don't need to worry about what they'll eat or what they'll wear (Luke 12.22). He assures them that God sees them and their needs, and He will provide for them. Maybe you, like the disciples, are worried about where you'll find your next meal or if your family can afford new clothes for you to wear to school this year. Maybe your worries involve friends, health, grades, or big decisions. Whatever your worries may

be, Jesus's message applies.

We may not be in complete control of our lives and our futures, but God is. God will provide for our needs according to His good will. He provides for the birds, the flowers, and He surely provides for His children.

Remember how Matthew's genealogy (Matthew 1.1-17) taught us that God has been working throughout history to bring about His good plan? 

This is evident in the Christmas story: God provided His Son (John 3.16) to pay for the sins of the world, restore creation, and make it possible for Him to have a relationship with humanity again. Because of this, we can trust that Jesus will fulfill God's promise to return and set all things right, bringing His plan to completion. Revelation 21.4 tells us that on this day, God will wipe all tears away and remove all grief and pain. This promise offers us great hope.

Jesus is coming again to bring ultimate redemption, and this time, He'll come in great glory and power (Luke 21.27-28). For those of us who trust in Christ, we don't need to worry about our future and what it may bring, for we know that our future is secure, Christ is coming to set all things right and reign for all eternity.

What Does This Mean for Me?

Still, overcoming worry isn't something that is easily done. Even if you're ready to trust God with all aspects of your life, this will take time and effort. Worry is our natural response to a lack of control, and responding differently requires practice.

The best thing you can do to combat this instinct and trust God with your future is to diligently study Scripture. The more you read and study God's Word, the easier it'll be to dwell on His promises. The goodness of Christ and His plan to return and redeem all things will give you peace and hope for the future.

Another helpful practice is to memorize and meditate on Scripture.

Throughout this study, we've encouraged you to start each week by memorizing a verse or two. This practice is a great way to combat worry. And if you haven't started yet, a good verse to begin with is Luke 12.32, which says, 

"Don't be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom." 

What a beautiful reminder of God's love and care for you, and of the hope we have in Christ's return when He will fully establish His kingdom. Lastly, a good way to practice placing your trust in God for the future is to pray when anxious thoughts begin filling your mind. Philippians 4:6–7 says, 

“Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." 

Hand your anxieties over to God through prayer and thanksgiving, and He will give you peace in your circumstances. This true peace comes from Jesus Christ. In Him and His sovereign control of all things, our future rests secure.

Application Questions

What about the future causes you to worry?

How does the fact that God is in control of all things encourage you?

Pray and lift your worries up to the Lord. Ask Him to remind you of the hope you have in His Son and to guard your mind with peace.