Most of the time, we are faced with circumstances that require us to make decisions. When the options are many, it is often easier to make the right choices, but when the available options are too few, chances are the stress and the tendency to make wrong decisions are high. What do we do when we are in this kind of situation?
No need to fret, my friend. The Bible says that "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (James 1:5). We have the always-available and always-dependable help of the Holy Spirit of God, who constantly "helps us in our weakness" (Romans 8:26). We can always ask Him for help.
Are you faced with making tough decisions right now? Here are some things you can do.
1. Stop fretting
God said in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" There's no need for you to fret, because He will show Himself mighty in any and every circumstance, but you'll need to trust Him and entrust your worries to Him.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." Instead of worrying about anything, stop for a moment and pray to God about your situation. Tell Him every single detail, especially those that matter to you. Thank Him that He's there to help. He'll help you.
2. Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways
This doesn't mean simply mentioning His name. It means recognising that He's there as you make decisions, and that what you decide to do will be subject to His judgment. Proverbs 3:6 tells us that when we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will make our paths straight.
Friend, recognise that God watches over all your decisions, and when you fear Him, you'll be sure to make the right decisions always. You may not be perfect, but still the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (see Proverbs 9:10).
3. Make sound decisions based in the Word and in the Holy Spirit
Your decisions have to be based on what God says in His Word. When the decision you are about to make violates or goes against any command or exhortation in the Bible (to love God above all and love your neighbours as yourself, for example), don't do it.
2 Timothy 1:7 in the King James Version tells us, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." The Spirit that God has given us enables us to make decisions not in fear, but in faith and confidence in God, and with a sound mind. He enables us to make wise decisions based on His Word and the Spirit's unction.
A sound mind means "having the capacity to think, reason and understand for oneself." When you make decisions irrationally and under compulsion, that is not the Spirit of God helping you decide. When the Spirit of God is the one helping you make decisions, you'll find peace and comfort in Him.
