“You know what killed that squirrel?” my husband Dan mused as we drove through our Arkansas neighborhood.
Duh, I thought, a car ran over him.
“Indecision,” he explained. Dan always seems to think in black or white terms – no grey areas. (“If you don’t like carrots, don’t eat them. If you hate working as a secretary, find another job.”)
“Indecision?” I exclaimed. “Wait a minute! Are you comparing me to that squirrel?”
Dan and I are living proof that opposites attract in relationships, especially in marriage. But after over 40 years of marriage, I think I’m finally learning a few decisive tricks from my husband – like how to organize my office and how to follow through on my dreams.
Confusion. For example, every year I make several new resolutions. But by springtime, I’m usually like my friend, the squirrel. Before he became road kill, that is.
My mind darts around as doubts and fears plague me. Is this plan even possible? What about my failure to follow through on all those other projects? Will this just be another waste of my time and resources?
As I tried to resolve my anxious thoughts, this question from Matthew 6:27 caught my attention: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (NIV)
Could my worry and indecision close the doors to many of my dreams and my plans? God’s Word continued to speak truth to my soul.
Revelation. Jeremiah 29:11 promises, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Can I discover God’s plans for my life as I seek Him in prayer? Could it be that simple?
God’s Word says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you…” (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
Resolution. What have I resolved about my problem of indecision? These days, I know the importance of speaking God’s truth into my life, or as I prefer to call it – GraceTalk.
“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help … Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought” (James 1:5-6 MSG).
God’s promises keep me focused on His truth and not distracted by my negative thoughts when I lose my peace and rest. As I choose to focus on God’s promises, I also remember my blessings, instead of listing my problems.
When I worry, I’m often reminded of a favorite verse from the Psalms: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread” (37:25).
What helps you navigate through your worrisome thoughts and decisions?
I encourage you to consider GraceTalk the next time you face a decision.
Can you recall a certain scripture that speaks to indecision?