Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…

We are presented with countless decisions each day. Where do we work or live? Where do we send the children to school? What do we cook for dinner? Who might our future spouse be? Where do we attend church? Do we join or lead the Bible study? Do we have the money for the trip? Is this a good friend to spend time with? Do I stop and get gas now or later? And for a single mom who is raising kiddos with little to no help and no one to bounce ideas off of, it can be even more overwhelming, particularly when you are faced with big decisions. Maybe you find yourself struggling to hear God's voice and discern the right decisions.

Here’s the good news. Our God is a god who speaks! He is a god of order. He cares about the things that concern you and the details of your life. Read on for some tips on finding clarity in decision-making. Indecisiveness should not be a bondage for the children of God!

In order to know God’s will, we must listen. We must learn to let God transform our thought life, our patterns, and our habits so that we are walking in step with the Spirit of God and not distracted by the busyness and chaos of this world. Today’s Scripture teaches us that we must not conform to the ways of this world but intentionally renew our minds. We must form a habit of listening and renewing our thoughts to align with the truth of God’s word. This alignment will make it much easier to hear the voice of God. God begins to speak to those who are willing to listen, the ones willing to get quiet and still. He whispers a thought, a direction, a prompting into your spirit. We can begin to hear from the Lord when we get quiet and practice listening.

Walk in obedience. Clarity comes when we do what we are created to do. Peace and freedom come when we are operating in sync with the instructions of the Lord through His word and the directive of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, we struggle with decision-making because we either don’t know God's Word or refuse to obey it. However, a sense of purpose, clarity, peace, and fulfillment comes when we walk in obedience to the Lord. Chains to perfectionism, confusion, and chaos fall when we are in step with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Be sensitive to His prompting today and commit to obeying instructions – even when it’s hard. There is always a reward on the other side.

Keep praying and be patient. Do you know what part of the problem is with our prayer lives? We want an answer now! We’re not very good at waiting. But Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” We must be patient in the waiting and hardships of our today. We must keep praying, even when we don’t see the mountain move or the path is unclear. When hardships come, we are to remain patient that God is in control. We don’t have to question whether He’s at work or has forgotten about us. He’s been faithful, and He will continue to be. We get quiet before Him and seek His instruction for our lives so that indecisiveness does not reign. The Lord isn’t trying to figure out His next move for your life! He is a God of order and strategy, not chaos. Be confident in the truth of His word, His past provision, and His plan for you.

Points to Ponder:

• What is God doing to transform you right now? How do you know?
• Would you say your prayer life consists of both speaking and listening? Why or why not? How might listening before the Lord break the bondage of indecisiveness?