Decisions, Decisions

I was talking with a friend the other day about her future and the decisions she will need to make in the upcoming months. Change is undeniably difficult, yet it is also a good and necessary part of life. But choosing change is hard. Decisions are emotionally taxing, often difficult to discern and can alter the course of our lives. But of course, not choosing is also a choice. And all our choices have consequences.

Each of us, no matter how old we are, have decisions to make – about our future, our habits, our lives. Here are some reminders that help me as I make decisions. Perhaps they can help you as well.

Hold the future with open hands

Just because I think something would be a good plan does not guarantee that it will happen. We should ask, seek and try certainly, but it is wise to realize that our plans may not always work out the way we envision.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” ~ James 4:13-15

Rest in God’s approval, not others’ approval

No matter what decisions we make, someone will inevitably disagree. This is not necessarily an indicator that we are wrong. Ask yourself if what you are doing honors God and then rest in His approval and not the fleeting approval of man (or woman!).

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. ~ Galatians 1:10

Pray about it

God promises wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5). He is also the one who has given us our talents and abilities, as well as the responsibility to be a good steward of them. The Lord of the universe knows not just our name but every hair on our head. He formed each of us in our mother’s womb. He knows each tear we cry and each joy we tuck inside our hearts. Why would he not help us when we ask?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ~ Philippians 4:6

May we each lean on the Lord through every decision in our lives, whether big or small.

Photo by Letizia Bordoni on Unsplash