How to Have Peace When You Feel Lost in Life
There are many different circumstances in life where you feel like your peace has been stolen and worry has taken over. One of those circumstances is when you don’t know what to do next — when your future is cloudy and unclear.
Society puts so much pressure on having your life figured out. The moment you become a senior in high school it seems like the only thing people want to know is what you're going to do with your life. Finding the answers to the questions "what career do you want to have?", "what college are you going to; what major?" and "what age do you want to be married by?" almost becomes your life mission. And if you don't have those answers in time, then suddenly your "behind".
It's a good thing God's plans don't follow society's "one size should fit all" timeline.
Take a deep breath because you are not behind, you do not have to have it figured out, and you are not meant to tell the future (Acts 1:7). Let's stop comparing ourselves to others and start being content with what God has given us. Let's stop trying to please society's standards and start living to please God.
God's plan for you isn't waiting to start; it is right now! Every day is an opportunity for you to serve the Lord and walk in the purpose He has for you which is to love Him and love others (Matthew 22:37-39).
So how do you stop feeling the pressure to have your future figured out?
How do you stop worrying that it will be too late, that you waited too long to make a decision? The answer is simple: put your trust fully in God. In the Bible, it is promised that those who put their trust in God will have peace:
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."
Isaiah 26:3-4
I know, easier said than done. Having peace is something I struggled with for many years, but eventually, I learned how to put my trust in God, and I wrote all about it. Read this post "How to Stop Stressing" to learn how you can put your trust in God and have peace. Then come back to this post and finish reading the rest. Note: I use the word "stress" in that post, but it also applies to anxiety, worry, pressure, and overthinking. Note 2: If you feel stressed about having your future figured out, your core stressor is likely "Not having control" (you'll understand once you read the post).
You Will End Up Where You Need to Be
When your trust is in God and when you are actively pursuing Him, you will end up where you need to be at the exact right time (proverbs 3:5-6). Don't focus so much on what you don't know that you miss what God is trying to do through you right now. Keep praying, reading His Word, loving others, worshipping, going to church, and spending time with godly community.
Choose to Trust and Lean on God's Promises:
God's timing is perfect.
2 Peter 3:8-9, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Isaiah 49:8, Deuteronomy 32:4
He has a plan and purpose for your life.
Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 1:11-12 and 2:10, Psalm 138:8, 2 Timothy 1:9
When you follow God, He will guide, direct, and lead you.
John 16:13, Psalm 25:9, Proverbs 16:3, Isaiah 48:17, Psalm 23:1-3, John 10:3-4
God will NEVER leave you; He is ALWAYS with you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20
God loves you more than you can comprehend.
Romans 5:8 and 8:38-39, Ephesians 3:17-19, Psalm 103:11, John 3:16
Helpful Tip:
I highly recommend memorizing verses to help you remember God's promises. That way, whenever you start to worry about the future, you can repeat those verses and fight the lies with the Truth (John 8:32, Ephesians 6:10-17).
5 Verses to Memorize When You Are Worried About the Future:
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."
Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
Isaiah 55:8-9 "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord."
Scroll down to see phone wallpapers to help you memorize these verses.
On A Final Note…
Rest in knowing that even though you don't understand why you feel lost, God knows exactly why you are where you are. His ways are higher than yours and sometimes we aren't going to understand life.
Don't be afraid of the waiting and unknowns. Fear can lead to rushed decisions and missed opportunities. Your time is not being wasted because every experience helps grow your character. As I said before, keep praying, worshipping, reading the Bible, spending time with godly community, loving others, and going to church.
Take hold of God's promises and keep your eyes fixed on Him in this time of uncertainty.
Remember, God loves you more than you could know and that will never change!
Phone Wallpapers:
