What Is the Opposite of Uncertainty?

My doctor admitted frustration when I saw him for my checkup a few weeks ago. He explained that the CDC had recommended a certain kind of face mask for those in the medical community. Then, that morning, he had received notification that they had changed and were recommending something different.

Naturally, we talked about the COVID-19 pandemic. I was interested in his viewpoint. He had several good observations, but one comment stood out: There are a number of things about the virus that have been discovered, but there remains quite a lot of uncertainty. My son-in-law, a Physician Assistant, echoed that thought. 

From the beginning of this pandemic we have been faced with mountains of uncertainty.

Does that bother you?

Yes, it is frustrating, but do you spend a lot of time thinking about all the uncertainties?

Perhaps, like me, you’ve just about given up on discovering the truth about COVID-19. But, what about other areas of your life? Do you spend time wrestling with uncertainties?

I really don’t care much for political discussions. It is not the array of opinions expressed that I don’t like. Rather, it is the uncertainties. A politician makes a promise (perhaps with sincerity), but is kept from keeping his promise by the ‘political machine.’ (And there are some politicians who will promise anything to get elected, yet they know that they cannot keep their promise.) I can’t figure it out. Uncertainties.

Politics aside, what about the news? No explanation needed...Uncertainties.
Foreign nations, our nation’s economy, the company that hired you. Uncertainties loom.

And don’t forget the weather.

What does all this have to do with anything?

Listen to words of wisdom:

He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.
—Ecclesiastes 11:4

Solomon observed that a person who dwells on the uncertainties of the weather, will never do the things he needs to do. While that proverb deals with the uncertainties of weather, it applies to every area of life. He went on to advise that seed should be sown in spite of the uncertain weather.

Dwelling on uncertainties has a paralyzing effect. Wisely the Apostle Paul urged:

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 

—Philippians 4:8

The opposite of uncertainties is “whatever is true.” I don’t think Paul was telling us to give ‘no’ thought to life’s uncertainties, but rather, that we should not dwell on them. We should dwell on things that are certain, things that are reliable, things that are true. Just as there is a negative effect when dwelling on uncertainties, there is a positive effect when dwelling on things that are true: Peace.

And as for all those uncertainties of life; instead of dwelling on them, pray to God about them.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

—Philippians 4:7

Mark Stinnett

August 23, 2020