The Problem Of Uncertainty

The Problem Of Uncertainty

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines uncertainty as the quality or state of being uncertain. And according to Wikipedia, uncertainty is the lack of certainty, a state of limited knowledge where it is impossible to exactly describe the existing state, a future outcome, or more than one possible outcome. Therefore, uncertainty is the state of being unsure about things. It is unpredictable and happens at an unexpected time. 

The question is: Why uncertainty is a problem, and how does it affect people's feelings, emotions, and actions?

Uncertainty is a problem because it causes us to worry, fear, and doubt, which leads to stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia and can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health. Being uncertain about things can push us to seek answers to reduce uncertainty. We seek too much information; however, these strategies to reduce uncertainty may not work at all times.

Therefore, uncertainty is a problem and affects our feelings, emotions, and actions. Nevertheless, God allows uncertainty for us to have the curiosity to seek answers to our questions and apply our learnings from all the answers we seek. Although uncertainty has a negative impact on our mental health and may cause mental breakdowns,  it's okay and normal as long as you can handle it. If you are questioning everything, it's okay; you're just exploring, which means you're onto something bigger. As Brianna Wiest once said in her book, 101 ESSAYS that CHANGE the way YOU THINK (2016), "mental breakdowns is actually an emotional breakthrough."

How to cope with uncertainty? 

Some of the tips for dealing with uncertainty are:

• Accept uncertainty as part of life.

Thinking about everything can cause us a burden. Be careful of what you're thinking all the time. It's important to know that there are things that are not worth knowing or don't matter at all. Our God is omniscient; He is the one who knows everything. So we shouldn't have to think too much about life; we should enjoy it and focus on what we can control.

• Reverse your negative thoughts into positive ones.

If you want a good manifestation in your life, practice thinking positively and being positive. Saying positive always is a resistance to all negativities.

• Practice calmness.

Take a break sometimes if you feel worn out. Spend time in nature. Just breathe and feel nature.

 

• Pray to God.

To seek love, care, support, and peace, we need to pray and ask God for them. We need God always. We need to rely more on prayer.

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened (Luke 11:9-10)."

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).”

• Engage in activities that bring you joy and meaning.

Do things that make you happy. Read books, write a story, an essay, or a poem, listen to podcasts with any preferred topics you want to listen to, play music, watch movies, cook for your family, draw or paint your favorite place, meditate and pray, and spend time with your friends, family, and people whom you love and care about so much.