3 Things To Consider When Making A Decision
Photo by Dajana Reçi
Life can be daunting, especially when we’re faced with big decisions. More often than not, we find ourselves wondering what we ought to do. If you’re anything like me, you run through every option, weighing the pros and cons. Nothing stands out as ideal or perfect, nothing seems just right. It’s easy to spiral from here, with fear and self-doubt creeping in.
By prayerfully seeking God’s direction, we’re hoping to make a choice that is obedient and honors Him. I find that when I’m really stuck on what to do, it’s often best to shift my focus to what’s immediately before me.
Matthew 22:37-39 says: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Keeping this directive in mind, I review 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Who or what has God brought into my life today? Am I loving the people around me? What choice will allow me to honor others with my time? In this way, I can align my actions and decisions with what God has already directed me to do. I am much more likely to hear His voice if I am walking in obedience in the small day-to-day things.
Some of us are quick to want to make decisions and move on. However, it may be that God wants us to slow down and wait for his timing. His plans are always in process and sometimes we just need to wait for things to fall into place. God often has a lot to teach us during times of waiting.
Alternatively, a choice may feel unclear because none of the options are inherently wrong. God has given you a mind, filled you with the Holy Spirit, gifted you with wisdom and discernment, so if you prayerfully don’t feel led to choose one thing over another, it’s entirely possible that one decision is really no better or worse than another. In this case, the choice itself doesn’t matter so much as how you live it out.
So if you find yourself wrestling with indecision, remember to first do a heart check. Are you being obedient in the little things?
Next, consider the immediacy of the decision. Is this something you must decide right away or is it an opportunity to exercise patience while you wait on the Lord’s timing?
Finally, if it’s time to move forward and you still feel unclear, you can at least feel confident in the knowledge that living in obedience to Christ means He goes forward with you, no matter what! The important thing is to love Him and love others the best that you can, He’ll take care of the rest.
