As we look back on the 23rd anniversary of September 11th and simultaneously approach the first anniversary of October 7th, this question weighs heavily on our minds. Time has moved swiftly since these respective tragedies, yet in many ways, it feels as though it has stood still. We continue to wait—for answers, for peace, for the release of the hostages. The uncertainty of what comes next lingers in the air, leaving us searching for something to hold on to, some assurance of what the future might bring. In times like these, the Bible offers us a unique kind of comfort—not by revealing what lies ahead, but by guiding us on how to live meaningfully in the present.
Human nature often compels us to seek certainty about the future. We want to know what is coming so we can prepare, protect ourselves, or find solace in the idea that everything is part of a predetermined plan. As a mega planner, I sometimes feel like the queen of needing to know what will be. Both in the big picture and little picture. And I’m positive I’m not alone with this thought. If only we had a magic eight ball to look into the future. But the Bible takes a different stance. It explicitly discourages turning to such practices, reminding us that the pursuit of certainty about what lies ahead is not the way to find peace or clarity.
Instead, the Bible teaches us a deeper truth in the verse:
This verse challenges us to avoid becoming consumed by what we cannot know. Instead of worrying about the future, we are encouraged to live with sincerity, integrity, and a wholehearted commitment to the present. Rather than trying to uncover what is hidden or predict the unpredictable, the Bible urges us to focus on our actions and intentions here and now.
This message is particularly significant in the context of Jewish thought, which emphasizes the power of free will. Judaism does not see the future as an unchangeable script; rather, it is something we co-create through our choices and behaviors. The future is open-ended, shaped by our deeds, our values, and our willingness to change. It’s here in the words of the Bible that we find a sense of agency and responsibility. In the midst of uncertainty, we hold the power to influence what happens next.
The concept of free will becomes especially poignant during the Hebrew month of Elul, a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal in the Jewish calendar. As we prepare for the High Holy Days, we engage in teshuvah—returning to our true selves, seeking forgiveness, and committing to change. Elul reminds us that each year, we are granted an opportunity to start anew, to learn from the past, and to make different choices for the future. It is a time when we are encouraged to ask, “What will I do next?” rather than “What will happen next?”
During Elul, we are reminded that God believes in our capacity for growth and transformation. The Bible teaches us that in these days, God extends a hand to those who sincerely seek to come closer to Him. It is a period of divine openness, where our efforts to return, renew, and repair are met with divine assistance. This idea is a profound comfort in uncertain times: while we may not know what lies ahead, we are assured that our efforts to improve and change are never in vain.
Thus, the question of “What’s next?” is reframed. Instead of allowing fear of the unknown to paralyze us, we are called to take action in the present. The Bible guides us to trust that by living with integrity, compassion, and wholeheartedness today, we contribute to shaping a future that is meaningful and just. Our deeds, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, have the potential to make a real impact on the world around us.
Ultimately, it’s what we choose to do in the face of uncertainty—whether we choose fear or faith, resignation or resolve is what will make all the difference in what is next
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