Once You Make a Decision...

"We are deluged with information. We have to process now three times as much data as we would have done 50 years ago. We're bombarded with tweets, with emails - a state of continuous disruption - and that's bad for our decision making and bad for our thinking."   -Noreena Hertz

It's the beginning of a brand new week. But, along with new possibilities and scenarios there will be situations that will require decision-making on your part. How will you handle this, and how do you decide? There's an old saying that says, "It may be true that there are two sides to every question, but it is also true that there are two sides to a sheet of flypaper, and it makes a big difference to the fly which side he chooses." Which side of the flypaper will you choose?

Perhaps you'd rather have someone else make decisions for you. A husband and wife, before marriage, decided that he'd make all the major decisions and she the minor ones. After 20 years of marriage, he was asked how this arrangement had worked. "Great! in all these years I've never had to make a major decision." You have to admit, it sounds great to be able to let someone else handle it. But is this really what you want?

You see, we don't have to fear or hide from making decisions that affect our lives. Nor do we have to let someone else make them for us. And, when it comes to making decisions it's good that they not only serve our purpose, but that they serve God, too. Fortunately, the Bible offers many ideas to help us make decisions that honor God. Here some helpful examples below...

a) Begin with prayer. When wrestling with a decision, prayerfully open the channel of communication with God. Ask for guidance and wisdom (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; James 1:5).

b) Define the issue. Remember, wise decisions are informed decisions. It's important to understand what options are available to you. Once the facts are laid out, options can be further considered and evaluated.

c) Look for biblical wisdom. Some decisions become easy if there's one clear choice that's consistent with God’s Word (Psalm 119:105). When we follow the teachings of God’s Word, He leads the way and provides the knowledge to make wise choices.

d) Appeal for godly advice. Sometimes, consulting with a friend, or family member is good enough. Other times, discussing your issue with a pastor, or another trusted voice can make the difference between a good or bad decision. (Proverbs 15:22)

e) Trust the Lord with your decision. That is, if you’ve make your decision with prayer, sound wisdom, and biblical advisement, trust God for the outcome (Proverbs 3:5-6).

f) Be willing to admit you're wrong and make any necessary corrections. Most of the time, there's it's unwise to continue down a wrong path after you've discovered it's not right. Be willing to admit mistakes or failures, and ask God for the grace to help your change it around.

g) This is always important! Give praise to God for your success. When your decisions end in personal success, there's a strong temptation to believe it's all due to your own power, talent, or genius. However, it's God who blesses our efforts and gives strength (John 3:27).

Please keep in mind that this isn't an exhaustive list of biblical helps. I just wanted to demonstrate that there is a wealth of information in the Bible to help in the decision-making whenever you need it.

Remember, solid decision-making starts with understanding the will of God. God happily reveals His will to those who are eager to follow His precepts (Psalm 33:18; Psalm 35:27; Psalm 147:11). Our attitude towards decision-making should be just like that of Jesus Himself who declared, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42; Matthew 6:10).

In summary, when making a decision, seek God’s Word for direction. Take comfort in the peace which only He can provide (Philippians 4:7). Ask Him for wisdom, trust His promises, and He will guide your path (Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 58:11; John 8:12).

Scripture: John 5:19; Joshua 1:9; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:13; Psalm 25:12

Prayer: All-powerful Father, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to bring the new light of salvation to the world. May he enlighten us with his radiance, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

God bless you!

Chrissie