#30 - Finding Peace in Uncertain Times

0:04 Welcome back to Mind and Faith Matters, the podcast where we explore everything from mental health, faith, and all the in -between. I'm your host, Dr. Cory Potter. Today we're talking about something that affects every one of us. Uncertainty. The unknown. Those seasons and moments of life when we can't quite see what's ahead. and our minds try to fill in the gaps. If you've ever had a major life change, traumatic situation, maybe it's waiting for test results or wondering how a situation would turn out, you know how uncomfortable uncertainty can be. Frankly, our brains don't like it and our hearts struggle with it too.

0:53 In this episode, we'll explore what uncertainty does. to us mentally and physically, how we can approach it with a healthy mindset, and how biblical truth can anchor us in God's peace. Uncertainty is one of the most powerful stress triggers for the human brain. Neuroscience tells us that our brains are prediction machines. The prefrontal cortex works constantly to anticipate what will happen next. so we can feel safe and prepared. When life becomes unpredictable, which it often does, that system short circuits. The brain's alarm system, the amygdala, lights up as if there's danger even when there isn't. And studies show that uncertainty activates the same fight or flight response as a physical threat. Our heart rate increases, muscles tighten, and cortisol levels rise. We become restless, distracted, and emotionally on edge. One study from University College London found that people experienced more stress when they didn't know whether something bad would happen than when they were told for sure that it would. The brain finds the unknown harder to handle. than bad news itself. And psychologically,

2:28 this constant state of not knowing can create anxiety, irritability, or anger. When we feel powerless to predict outcomes, we often try to regain control by overthinking, planning excessively, or becoming frustrated with others. Uncertainty makes the brain search. for meaning and security. If we can't find either, the stress response stays switched on. And over time, that can lead to fatigue, sleep problems, and decision fatigue.

3:11 Uncertainty often brings emotional turbulence. Yet scripture offers us a way to see these moments differently. They can become opportunities to trust God rather than threats to our peace. Before we look at what the Bible says though, let's talk about mindset. Psychology uses a term called cognitive appraisal. It means that how we interpret a situation determines how we feel about it. If we see uncertainty, as danger, we experience fear. If we see it as an opportunity for growth or trust, the brain responds differently. Stress decreases and calm increases. That's worth repeating.

4:09 Let me say it again. If we see uncertainty as danger, we experience fear. related anxiety and stuff. If we see it as an opportunity for growth or trust, the brain responds differently. Stress decreases and calm increases. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy teach that peace does not come from controlling outcomes, but from controlling perspective. we can learn to say, I can handle not knowing right now. That statement activates the rational part of the brain and quiets the threat response. And then to those of us who know and love God, faith reframes uncertainty by saying, even though I don't know what's coming, I know who holds the outcome. That shift from control to trust changes the brain function.

5:19 Neuroscientist Andrew Newberg's research found that prayer and worship decrease activity in the amygdala, the fear center, and increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, where rational thinking and emotional regulation happens. In other words, When we as believers pray or meditate on scripture with genuine trust the body relaxes breathing slows and peace follows a Healthy mindset toward uncertainty includes three basic steps You might want to write these down and if you're driving come back to this mark and write it down later first acknowledge uncertainty honestly. Denial helps keep that stress alive, but naming it brings clarity. Just call it what it is. Second, you want to reframe it mentally. View uncertainty as a training ground for growth, not a sign of danger. And third, anchor uncertainty spiritually.

6:37 Turn it into a moment of trust and surrender to God. So let's look at what scripture teaches us about handling uncertainty. Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5 and 6 says 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." This passage captures both the emotional and the spiritual side of uncertainty. When you lean on your own understanding, the mind works overtime to try to solve what it cannot control. But when you trust, the burden shifts to God, and peace can follow. Philippians 4, chapters 6 and 7, adds this do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God and Paul continues and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus that phrase guard your hearts and minds is significant It shows that peace has an active, steadying quality. When you pray with gratitude in uncertain

8:09 times, your brain shifts towards calm awareness and connection with God. The focus turns to His guidance and care and your heart begins to settle into trust. Next, I'll tell you that James chapter 4 verses 13 through 15 In essence, reminds us, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. Instead, you ought to say, if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that. James calls believers here to humility about the future. It's not a warning against planning, but an invitation to depend on God's will rather than our own timeline.

9:01 I will tell you that in the Bible Hebrews chapter 11 talks about those examples, really example after example of people who walked with God without knowing how things would turn out. Abraham in the Old Testament left his homeland not knowing where he was going but trusted God. Moses faced Pharaoh not knowing how Israel would be freed. but he trusted God. Faith grows stronger in uncertainty because it focuses on the source, not the solution.

9:44 So let's connect what we've learned so far. Neuroscience says uncertainty triggers the body's alarm system. Psychology says we can reframe uncertainty through perspective and meaning. scripture says peace comes through trust in God's sovereignty. When these truths come together faith becomes both spiritual and neurological therapy. Trust changes how the brain functions and how the heart feels. When you pray during uncertainty your breath slows. Your breathing, I should say, slows. Your stress hormones drop and your mind reorients towards hope. We've talked about anchoring and drifting and anchoring in hope in other episodes.

10:41 But when you read scripture and meditate on God's promises, your focus shifts from chaos to calm. Uncertainty doesn't vanish. But your relationship to it changes. It becomes the soil where faith grows rather than the storm that breaks you. So let's close with a few practical ways to handle uncertainty with a healthy mindset and a biblical focus. Start with awareness. Notice when your thoughts are spinning with what -ifs. Acknowledge the feeling instead of resisting it. Ground yourself, in other words. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that in this moment or season of life you are safe and seen by God. I want you to pray with honesty. Use the prayer of Mark chapter 9 verse 24 where he says, I believe help my unbelief.

11:51 Sometimes we want to believe more, but we are hesitant because of uncertainty. God welcomes authenticity. Limit the noise is the next thing. When uncertainty rises, reduce information overload. You know, too much input fuels anxiety. I go to the source of the calmness, which is Jesus in my storms. In fact he says, come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest. Uncertainty is a form of weariness. Next you want to practice gratitude. Philippians chapter 4 connects gratitude with peace for a reason. Thanking God for what's steady helps calm what feels shaky. A big one for believers, we want to meditate on truth.

12:49 Verses like Psalm 46 10 be still and know that I am God Retrain the brain to rest rather than react Stay connected To others to God talk with trusted friends or mentors who can help you to see beyond the present moment Use that network social connections Soothes the nervous system and strengthens faith God knows what he's talking about when he says you should be part of a family of faith or a church family or a group of believers that come together to support each other. Each of these practices builds resilience in our lives.

13:38 They help the mind and spirit learn that peace depends on confidence in God's care rather than clarity about outcomes. That's a huge shift for many. Uncertainty will always be part of life. It doesn't have to control how we live, think, or believe though. When the unknown comes, your brain may sound the alarm, but your spirit can answer with truth. You can say, God, I don't know what's next, but I know you are good. You can breathe deeply. And remember that peace is not the absence of uncertainty, but the presence of trust. And as you move through uncertain times or seasons, keep your mind steady and your heart anchored. The unknown may stir anxiety, but God's promises restore calm. Thanks for spending time with me today on Mind and Faith Matters. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who might be feeling the weight of uncertainty right now. And you can find more resources and even my merchandise store at mindandfaithmatters .com. Your support there helps us to continue spreading hope and mental wellness through faith.

15:02 So until next time, stay grounded in grace and peace in a world that is filled with uncertainty. God bless.