Apples of Gold

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

My husband and I have spent way too many date nights trying to figure out what we want to do. The conversation was eerily similar to the dialogue of the vultures in Jungle Book.

“What do you want to do?”  

“I don’t know what do you want to do?” 

“I want to do what you want to do.”

“Well I want to do what you want to do.”

Perhaps we were deferring to the other out of courtesy, but my suspicion is that neither of us really wanted to expend the energy necessary to actually come up with a navigable plan that would be enjoyable for both of us. We each were hoping desperately that the other would make the decision for us. 

We are constantly bombarded with decisions. So many in fact that there is  an actual label for it-decision fatigue. The necessity of constantly processing information, evaluating choices and attempting to make the best possible choice has worn our brains to a frazzle. I think if someone would lay out our morning outfit, give us a meal plan for the week, complete with a grocery list, organized by store, or even better, organized by aisle; most of us would be relieved. Decision fatigue causes us to have a tough time settling on one option. It affects our ability to choose well because we just want a direction. Somebody please just tell me what to do!

Our small decisions have a long-term impact on our lives. Did you realize that the first thing you eat in the morning sets the tone for everything you will desire to eat throughout the rest of the day? A donut might not be the best choice as the craving for carbs and sugar is turned on causing us to want another donut, this time with frosting and sprinkles please!

This knowledge can complicate our decision making process even more. What if’s are a large hurdle to clear. What if I make the wrong choice, or just not the best choice? What if I had chosen a different option? What if I had waited, or decided quicker. The what if’s can stretch on and on into an anxiety inducing spiral of doubt. 

Although it doesn’t really matter if we have beef, or chicken for dinner,   we recognize that making wise choices in the bigger things, especially concerning our relationship with God takes this to a different level:

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. Psalm 143:8-10

Firm footing is something we all crave. Multiple paths stretch out before us, each leading in a different direction, and ending in a different place.

Sometimes we feel paralyzed as we look at our options and long for clarity as we put our foot forward only to withdraw it, fearing that this might not be the way we should go.

We have prayed, and thought, and sought council, and prayed and thought some more. The countdown clock has run out and ready or not our decision needs to be made now. God knew our struggle would be real and he gave us assurance that he’s got it.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

So if we can answer in the affirmative that we love God and he has called us, then hiding in plain sight in this passage is a guarantee that the one who knit us together in the womb has a plan that factors in our frailty and confusion. Our mistakes are included here in one of my favorite promises: God causes all things to work together for our good. 

Could we make the wrong choice? You bet. Will God work it out anyway? Yep! 

If you find yourself stuck in the middle, in the valley of decision with no clear direction this is where trust comes in. Trusting that God will maneuver us onto his path if we happen to wander down another. Trusting that he is bigger than our mistakes and that he wants us to hear his voice and see his hand. Believing that at just the right time he will speak clarity to us. Remembering that God is for us. 

Let’s not let decision fatigue hinder our spiritual growth and our usefulness in the kingdom of God. God is not looking for perfection, he is looking for willingness. What are you waiting for?

Your own ear will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, This is the way you should go. Whether to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21