Then David prayed to God: “Shall I go up and fight the Philistines? Will you help me beat them?” “Go up,” God replied. “Count on me. I’ll help you beat them.” (2 Samuel 5:19-21, The Message Bible)
| Have you ever faced a circumstance in your life not knowing what to do? One wrong decision can have devastating consequences. In the movie, The Matrix, Neo is told, “It’s the question that drives us”, but is that really true? Are we driven by our questions or haunted by our decisions? How do I find peace and comfort from both of these? When I look at this passage in 2 Samuel 5, I see that David was faced with a decision to make regarding the question of fighting the Philistines. What to do? Not a day passes by when you and I are faced with making some kind of decision. It may be a simple decision such as whether you want cream in your coffee at your favorite coffee bar or it may be speeding through an intersection because you’re running late for work. We may face a decision to move, take a new job, buy a house or car, get married, get divorced, make an investment, or choose which college to attend. Sometimes, our circumstances drive the decisions we make, an abusive spouse, substance abuse, loss of income, or news of a medical condition. We may make impulsive decisions, calculated or reckless decisions. We may discuss the perceived options available in our mind, with a loved one, a trusted friend, or someone trained to guide our decision making. I just don’t know what to do, is an expression I have heard people say. It’s an acknowledgement that you are faced with a dilemma of making a decision you very well might regret. Personally, I have learned that at times, it’s good to listen to the perspective of others. They may offer clarity to an area I’d yet to consider; something which was obscured from my view. Sometimes, the opinion of others only clouds one’s ability to make the proper decision. When that happens, the tendency is to blame someone else for the wrong choice. It is imperative then, that the decision you make, does not become something you later regret. What to do? David gives us the framework for making decisions you’ll never regret. Just ask God! I know that sounds almost too simple doesn’t it? Just ask God! What do I ask? David asked God two questions:
Should I do this? Will you help me do it? Just as it is imperative that I make the right decision; one I’ll never regret. It is also imperative that I understand my need for God to aide me in accomplishing it; I can’t do it alone. I don’t want to live regretting decisions I’ve made, so I just ask. I ask God if this is what I should do regarding my choices, and I ask Him to help me accomplish it. In my life, I’ve made both wise and foolish decisions. Without a doubt, the wise decisions were always the result of seeking the guidance of the Lord along with seeking His aide to accomplish it. On the other hand, my foolish decisions were always the result of my own decision making. In every instance, I found myself seeking forgiveness for making the wrong decision. Although from time to time, I still make a foolish decision, the frequency has drastically reduced because I realize my dependence is on the Lord. I depend on the Lord, for grace, peace, joy, health, hope, love and so much more. Are you faced with a decision which you don’t want to regret? Just ask! |
A Note of Thanks: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Christ in your life which illuminates the way for us all.
 | Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte). |
2 comments:
I like this reminder of Just Ask
Decision making can be difficult, especially if we rely on our own feelings. Asking God is the way to go! What bogs me down is hearing the answer! Sometimes I think God is telling me to go one way, but I'm not sure. In those cases, more prayer is needed! And, the more I seek to draw closer to Him (in His word, through prayer & worship, etc.) the more I'll recognize His voice and be able to know that it IS He who is leading me in a certain direction. Thanks for the encouragement!
Blessings, Joan
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