Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

“Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for you are my God and Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”- Psalm 25:5

Later this week, the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will have key decisions to make which will determine the outcome of this year’s Super Bowl. They will decide whether to kick off or receive the ball; to go for it on 4th&1 or punt; to dial up a trick play or stay conservative; to kick a field goal or go for a touchdown. (Thanks for letting me geek out on the big game for a moment.)

In the big game of life, we have dozens of decisions to make each day. Many can be made rather easily and quickly (what to wear, what to eat, or what route to take to work). Some however need a great deal of consideration because they are crucial to today and the days to come. Where to live? Where to work? Who to marry? Who to have as closest friends? Where to save money/make investments? Many decisions like these cause us to go through a series of scenarios before we feel ready to commit. And in these days of pandemic, there are added pressures to process wisely: Should my child go to school on campus or continue with remote learning? Should I get the vaccine? Is it wise and safe to go to certain places or visit people?

Let me share three steps I take when faced with a decision that is not clear-cut, where both options are viable, and when I am still waiting on some sense of peace.

1) I go to GOD’S WORD. The first thing to do is search the Scriptures for clarity on what I am choosing between. The Holy Word does have truths, lessons, instructions, and examples for me to follow when it comes to my daily needs, life’s priorities and pursuits, my closest relationships, and most treasured resources. Proverbs 3:5-6 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.”

2) I go to PEOPLE FOR COUNSEL. I look to people who love me, want God’s best, and have proved themselves to be trustworthy to weigh-in with their perspective. This is key because I may be operating too much on feelings, past experiences, or even incorrectly applying Scripture to my present circumstance. Ephesians 5:21 tells us to, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

3) I go to PRAYER. Beyond everything else, I need to set aside time to seek God’s will, hear His voice, and act on His leading. Humbly surrendering to God puts us in the right position and mindset, thereby removing the tendency to choose what would be familiar, makes the most sense to us or what is most popular to others. Psalm 143:10 says, “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

Going to the Lord with what to do will ensure blessing and peace to the big-time decisions of life and the present-moment decisions for today.