If you’re anything like me, decisions and choices and needing to figure out what the heck am I going to do with my life has caused A LOT OF STRESS. I say that in the past tense because I think…a little bit more…something is starting to sink in. Maybe it’s moving away or experiencing lots of new things recently or getting married or marrying someone who totally doesn’t get stressed out like me…or it’s getting closer to 30 and I think that by 30 years of age you like…have a little more figured out in life? I don’t know. Nevertheless, I think this *something* that’s starting to sink in has a lot to do with a line that has been stuck in my head since way back when.
The line is this:
Let me explain a bit more what this little line means to me: I was told this by, in my opinion, one of the best leaders there is – the Pastor of New Testament Church in Massena. He once said this to me in his office when I went to get some help in figuring out what to do about life. He said it again on multiple Sunday mornings throughout the 10 years I attended NTC. You see, I went through a time when I needed to hear from God about almost everything I did. You would think that was a good thing, right? No. It was a bit much, to be honest. It was hard to make any decision because of the fear of getting it wrong. And the “big” stuff? Well, I’m surprised I didn’t give myself an ulcer from the stressing I did about it all. What college do I go to? Should I go to Grad. school? Where should I live? Should I take this job or not? Marriage…? What.do.I.do?? Let’s just say the big stuff scared me and my biggest fear was making a mistake. You see, sometimes…well, pretty much all of the time…I’m finding God doesn’t speak to me in a loud voice when I ask Him what He thinks I’m supposed to do. I’m learning He gave me a brain to think on my own and to decipher what the right path is. I’m learning I have great people around me who help me, give me feedback and who have my back. I’m learning that I can be trusted…God trusts me…and I am capable of making a good decision. I don’t have to beg Him to tell me what to do as if I know nothing. Actually, when I approach Jesus in this way, I see Him in my mind smiling and saying,
“What do YOU want to do, Brittany?”
I see Him saying this because HE IS GOOD and He made me with lots of good ideas and interests and talents and thoughts. I’m not out there all alone trying to do life. He’s got me, He walks with me, and I can go on making decisions with a sound mind because…
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of POWER, of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND.” 1 Timothy 1:7
So, when it comes to making these decisions it’s just about looking for the peace for me. Say you have these two choices ahead of you and you could go crazy because they are both good and they both seem ‘right’ and they both would lead to a really great outcome. So, we pray and ask God what in the world are we supposed to do and we act like our life is the center of the universe when sometimes…all we need to do is – a.) look closely at the two choices (and maybe chat with someone you trust about it – I like to hear other people’s opinions) b.) see which one you have the most peace about c.) and choose that one. Look for the peace and let it be the umpire. Let peace call the shots and get on with that decision and make it the best one. And you know why I’m cool with this form of decision making? In the Bible it says:
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” Colossians 3:15
“He will be called…PRINCE OF PEACE.” Isaiah 9:6 – They’re talking about Jesus here
Jesus is the perfect picture of peace. True peace. And He is my peace. Therefore, where I sense peace, I’m goin’ in that direction because I want to go where He is. So, if you’re like me even just a tad and you tend to stress yourself out, let peace be your umpire when the next big decision comes around. Find the peace and go with it. I know life isn’t always this simple. But in a lot of cases… it really is that simple.
Great advice!
Love reading your blog, even if I don’t comment, I’m enjoying them all:)
Thanks, Barb 🙂
Thanks. I needed that
Hey Graeme, thanks for reading!
Love reading your blog! Awesome job…..so enjoyed…… It really is that simple, we just have to remember that in the midst.
I, in making decisions, is to look for that Peace. I do not make decisions easily and will not make most decision until I have that Peace. Again…..Awesome writing!
Thanks, Elaine! 🙂
I’m familiar with that feeling of not wanting to make a mistake! Good reminder. Thanks!