When You’re Afraid of the Future
Ruth Chou Simons
3 min read ⭑
The antidote to fear isn’t more confidence in myself; it’s assurance in a God who holds my future safely in his hands.
My boys are young men now, but when they were little, they were prone to fear. Each day held an unknown experience or a call for them to be brave in taking the next step. Whether it was learning an unfamiliar skill, meeting new friends, trying food they’d not tasted before, or jumping into the swimming pool for the very first time, fear of the unknown marked so many daily moments with them. Multiple times a day, we found ourselves saying:
“Don’t worry. Trust me.”
“You can do this! I’ll help you.”
“Don’t be afraid; I’ll be right here.”
“There’s nothing to be afraid of; I’ll go with you!”
Linus Belanger; Unsplash
Our presence as parents provided comfort, assurance, clarity and confidence. Eventually each of them learned to ride a bike, climb a mountain, speak in public and face their individual fears. Why did our promises steer them to peace in the face of the unknowns? Surely it was because our kids knew we not only provided for them but protected them, too. They knew we wouldn’t lead them to do something that would harm or hurt them. In short, they trusted us.
God is like a loving parent who knows better, sees farther and has more experience than we do.
We may understand the world around us, but God is the one who created it.
We can reach for a light to illuminate the frightening dark; God is light himself.
We are capable of assessing as far as the eye can see; God is omniscient and sees and knows everything.
Unlike our earthly parents, God, our Father, isn’t just further ahead than us; he is the Alpha and Omega, “the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). He holds all time and knows all things. He orchestrates all of creation and writes every story. As a parent, I can do my best, but I cannot control everything. When God promises to be with you, to be your God, and to help and hold you, it is a promise that comes with his authority as the Lord of all.
“The antidote to fear isn’t more confidence in yourself; it’s assurance in a God who holds your future safely in his hands. You and I need the promise and presence of a trustworthy Father more than we need a perfectly mapped-out plan.”
I don’t know who said it first, but it’s a true and memorable saying: “Today is the tomorrow you were so worried about yesterday.” It’s a reminder that our fear and worry about tomorrow doesn’t prevent tomorrow’s arrival. Our worry doesn’t change God’s care and protection over our tomorrow; it only robs us of peace today. Which I think is why Jesus so clearly taught, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 niv).
What burdens you the most about the future, friend?
Is it the fear of growing older?
Is it becoming an empty nester?
Is it singleness?
Is it concern over your kids?
Is it financial?
Is it based on location or career?
No matter what future concern causes present fear, I know this to be true: The antidote to fear isn’t more confidence in yourself; it’s assurance in a God who holds your future safely in his hands. You and I need the promise and presence of a trustworthy Father more than we need a perfectly mapped-out plan.
So have you taken him at his word? Have you looked closely at how he goes with you, how he is present, and how he is your help when you can’t hold or control your future? Our God is the God of yesterday and tomorrow, so you and I can trust him both to navigate and carry us through the unknowns we face today.
Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including The Way of the Wildflower, GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, When Strivings Cease and Now and Not Yet. She is an artist, podcaster, speaker and the founder, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of GraceLaced, an art and lifestyle brand. Simons has been featured on Good Morning America, Fox, Christianity Today and Hallmark Home and Family. Ruth and her husband, Troy, live in Western Colorado and are grateful parents to six boys — their greatest adventure.
Taken from “The Way of the Wildflower” by Ruth Chou Simons. Copyright © 2025. Used with permission of Thomas Nelson.
