This past week has been fairly eventful in my little world. We plan to leave in a couple days for our first out of state family trip in several years. It’s not an extravagant trip, but it does take some planning as to when and where to go, coordinating hotels, when things are open/closed, outdoor activities with weather forecasts, what to pack, vehicle prep, doggie daycare, etc. There are lots of things to worry about and decisions to make, and mostly ready or not, we go, and inevitably forget something, but we still get through it. I used to enjoy traveling, making spontaneous trips and outings, but now with several more people to factor into the equation, it takes a bit more work. One of my favorite phrases now is, ‘there are pros and cons to everything.’ Out of the hundreds of decisions you make each day, what most motivates you to decide on what you do each day?
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
This past week, my sister-in-law took a job 250 miles away from SE Iowa after living in this area most all her life. She is trying to find housing before she starts work in a week. Last Friday, a Christian friend of mine for over 20 years also left SE Iowa after 9 months and headed back to Colorado, hoping for a better life. He struggles with many things and despite some local encouragement, felt compelled to move on, despite not having a definite plan, housing, or a job, but going mostly on faith. When people make big life decisions and changes, it often takes faith that things will work out. Often, not as originally planned, but they definitely paint a unique story for each of us. What did your family say to you when you first left home?
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
Is there anyone you consult with before making big decisions? Hopefully your parents, if you are a minor, or your spouse, if you are married, or a trusted friend, if you trust their opinions. How often do you take your concerns to God, or seek His counsel? You may be looking for a ‘give me a yes or no’ type of answer, but that may not always be how He responds. Wise counsel can be found in His Word, as it gives fairly sound advice on a variety of life events. You may ask, is what I am planning in line with God’s Word, and does it benefit others as much, or even more than myself? In my work, we sometimes us a step by step question chart, called a decision tree, to help lead us to the most appropriate answer for what we are looking for. When we seek wise counsel from others, God, and His Word, then we can have faith that we are mostly making sound decisions in those areas of our lives. May you find joy as you learn to trust the Lord more and more with your decisions, and in all areas of your life!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Yours in Christ,
Clark
