Decisions

by Joan on March 4, 2012

in Christian Living

I am finding myself at a time when I need to make some decisions. Nothing earth shattering or that will involve a major life change, but nonetheless important. It involves balancing some things and perhaps giving up some other things (even temporarily).

I have been pondering and praying over these things for a few weeks. Just when I think I have the answer, then something comes along that causes me to realize that I’m still unclear. Then, I begin to think my prayers aren’t getting past the ceiling.

So what is a Christian to do when faced with decisions? First, we can count on the truth of God’s word.

This morning, the following verse came to mind (and then I later read a blog post on the same verse.) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8)

When we seek the Lord, we can be confident that He will give us direction. However, when seeking Him, we must be certain that we have a clean heart. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24)

I read another blog post today using this verse. Now do you think God is speaking to me?

When our hearts are clean before God, and we come to Him with pure motives, He will answer and show us the path to take.

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Linked to: Sharing His Beauty, Soli Deo Gloria, On My Heart Tuesday, and Winsome Wednesday.

  • Shanda Oakley

    Oh Joan, I am also at a point where I need to make some decisions are far as keeping a healthy balance in my life. It is so hard. A friend approached me this morning and a conversation began that brought up this same verse in my mind tonight. I have been praying for God to search me and test me to see if the things I have going on are all from Him or some of my own doing. And..praying if there is any offensive way in me. Which began a blog for tomorrow night. I think we are on the same wave length!

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Shanda, you hit on a key point for me also: “a healthy balance.” Sounds like we are on the same wave length.

      Blessings…

  • http://myfreshlybrewedlife.com/ Barbie

    Praying for wisdom for you as you make these decisions.

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Thank you, Barbie. I appreciate the prayers.

  • Hazel Moon

    Change is difficult, and to me it is always major because I don’t like change. But — we have found it necessary to change by opening our doors to new live in persons, some short time, others longer. and moving to new States and new places and back again, and job changes, and family members divorcing or marrying, and some changes not welcomed at all. So all in all I do understand but God will show you what to balance, and what to perhaps do away with, and will also help you to be content with his answers.

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Change isn’t easy, but inevitably it comes. I often have a hard time saying “yes” to things and then I sometimes don’t want to give anything up. I just have to surrender to His calling. As Dr. Charles Stanley says, “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”

  • Debbie

    I’ve been in the same place recently too. I count it a huge blessing that our current ladies’ Bible study is one which keeps teaching me. I met God there without looking for “my” answer, and He keeps giving me that answer in preordained scripture passages. Isn’t that always the way? I’m still seeking and asking and sitting with the figurative highlighter to learn from him. It’s a process, but what it ISN’T is the confusion that I would have if I were to go it alone.

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Debbie – I agree, it is a process and I too am thankful that I don’t have to rely on my own strength, but on His.

  • http://amylsullivan.blogspot.com/ Amy Sullivan

    Decisions are tough, especially when you think you have them figured out, and God drops a new plan on you. Thanks for the reminder that there are steps to the process when things seem to big for us to decide.

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Amy, I think we would become easily bored if we faced the same things day after day. I find that each step, each twist, each turn is designed by God in order to help us grow in His grace.

  • http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/ Joan Davis

    You are so right! Our hearts must be right before God in order to hear Him clearly. As we pray and ask for Him to point out anything in us that is offensive to Him, we can then come and lay those things at His feet. Then, with a pure heart, we will find our direction!

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      That’s true, Joan. It is important to come before Him with a clean heart in order to hear clearly.

  • http://joannempotter.blogspot.com/ JoAnne Potter

    Don’t you love it when God takes the trouble to confirm His instructions? He is always so near, so near…

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      I do find comfort in that fact. And yes, He is always near…

  • http://gr8day2save.com/ Nona

    Joan- I read Proverbs 16:9 this morning. I love how He brings the same verse in so many directions. May the Lord give you wisdom. Blessings, Nona

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Nona – He has given me this verse several times and in it I find comfort.

  • Renee

    Beautiful…love the verses you shared too..I am tucking them into my own heart. God bless.

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Blessings to you, Renee. I love God’s word…there is a verse for every situation we might encounter.

  • http://www.mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/ Tracy

    Hi Joan, I love how God gets His point across in a way that leaves no doubt. praying for you in your decision making.
    God bless
    Tracy

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Thank you, Tracy. Prayers are important and I’m thankful to have others praying for me.

  • http://sharonstimewithgod.blogspot.com/ Sharon

    Praying for you as you make your decision and that you will have no doubt as to what God wants for you.

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Thank you, Sharon. It always helps to have others come along side and pray.

  • http://charinabrooks.wordpress.com/ Charina

    Praying for the blessing of His wisdom for you Joan…

    All good things :)

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Thank you, Charina. I appreciate the prayers.

  • Ro elliott

    I am so thankful…He is so faithful…and He will show us the way…He is so patient and longsuffering…He will give you peace right at the right time…blessings~

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Yes, it will come in His time (even though I often like to rush things).

  • Glenda Childers

    Blessings on you as you make these decisions.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Thank you, Glenda. Blessings to you.

  • Denise Oldham

    May God lead you to make the right decision.

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Thank you, Denise. Blessings…

  • Melissa Smallwood

    My word for 2012 is confident and I needed to hear this..that we can be confident He will provide direction. Thank you!

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Melissa:

      My word is trust and I trust that He will show me the way, in His time.

  • Elaine_argento

    Dear Joan, Hope that you can feel the peace from Him to decide everything…you shoul know that your “Reflacions on His grace” make my day much better!!!! I’m praying for you! With love Elaine Argento

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Thank you, Elaine. I appreciate your sweet comments.

  • http://www.mylifeasanadventure.com/ Barbara

    so thankful for Holy Spirit who bears witness to His word! Great post.

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      I am thankful also, Barbara. Many blessings…

  • http://growingingraceawomansjourney.blogspot.com/ Bonny

    Amen. Good word. This reminds me to keep seeking Him / His Kingdom and all things will be added.. not by what we can do or by who we are but Who He is and through His empowerment. He is the way forward. Blessings.

    • http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com Joan

      Matthew 6:33 is one of my “life verses”.

      Many blessings!

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