“I need wisdom, but it all feels so overwhelming!”

We were about a mile into our walk this morning when my neighbor expressed something most of us can relate to on some level. I know I can.

Decisions are difficult.

Especially decisions where there are no clear-cut right or wrong answers.

When we waffle about what to do, we worry, what if I make the wrong choice?  We wonder, how do I know what God wants me to do? and Does God even care about the details of my tiny life?

As my neighbor and I walked, we talked about how to discern what’s best; pray; get wise counsel, search God’s Word for principles and instruction. (Note: if something is made clear in scripture we can stop right there. Question answered. Just do it.)

But what if we’re still not sure? What if several options seem reasonable? Honestly, we’d like the answer to appear in neon lights: DO THIS, NOT THAT!!!

But billboards like that only appear in our dreams.

So, what do we do when faced with decisions that overwhelm us?

1.  We can wait.

Sometimes God doesn’t give clarity right away because He’s working in other ways first. He may be working out details behind the scenes. Sometimes He’s working in us, causing us to depend more on Him. He could be working in the life of someone else.

Waiting isn’t all bad if we use our wait time wisely. While we wait, we can gather more information, work through any personal issues that might be clouding our judgement, or seek God more.

Wisdom isn’t usually found on a whim, but it can be found while we wait.

Here are three things to do as we wait:

• Pray for wisdom expecting God to give it (James 1:5-6)
• Read God’s Word daily to discern God’s path (Psalm 119:105)
• Seek godly counsel from people with integrity and wisdom (Proverbs 11:14)

When God says, “wait” it’s best not to go. Yet.

      2.  We can act

Sometimes the best decision is to wait. Other times, though, the best decision is to act.

Often, God guides us to act, even when we aren’t totally sure of the outcome. Frankly, these are the hardest decisions.

We all face crossroads where a decision must be made–do I take the new job or keep the one I have? Do I homeschool, or let my kids learn online (COVID-19, anyone)? Do I put my kids in childcare or stay at home?  Do I move or do I stay? Should my aging parent live with me or somewhere else?

Other times there’s no time frame for our decision, just a nagging sense that it is time. We’ve waited long enough.

How do we make a wise decision when we just aren’t sure?

If we are walking closely with God, seeking to please Him, trying to make the best Spirit-led, Scripture-led decision we know how, we’re likely on the right path. (Ahhh…Exhale).

We pray. We seek God’s direction through His Word. And then…

We just decide.

And, if we make a mistake, God can help us course-correct.

Look at the words recorded in Psalm 37:23-24 (this is SO GOOD!):

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
    He delights in every detail of their lives.
²⁴ Though they stumble, they will never fall,
    for the Lord holds them by the hand.

These words–the ones written right here–have comforted me, encouraged me, and given me confidence more times than I can count.

I pray the help you, too.

Look again.

Who directs your steps? The Lord does!

Who delights (yes, delights!) in your life? God does.

How much of your life does God care about? Every detail.

What happens if you stumble? You won’t fall.

And here’s my favorite part: The Lord holds you by the hand.

Pause. Let this reality sink in. God Almighty holds your hand.

Here’s where this gets real: When I feel most insecure, most vulnerable, most confused, I picture Jesus right beside me, holding my hand, caring for me, and all the little details of my life.

God holds your hand, too.

So, that decision you must make? The one that makes you feel overwhelmed? Or over your head? Or keeps you awake at night?

You probably won’t get your answer in neon lights.

But you do have God’s Word that lights your path.

You do have God’s Spirit who guides your heart.

You do have God’s people who can point you in the right direction.

And you do have God, Himself, who holds your hand.

You are loved,

Donna

P.S. Donna would LOVE to connect with you on Facebook and Instagram!  Follow her on Facebook at Donna Jones, Speaker & Author and on Instagram at @donnaajones