“Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
John 16:24
Analysis paralysis & the need to know.
Have you ever struggled so much with a decision that it gave you anxiety? Did you play through the options in your mind so many times that it overwhelmed your ability to choose? I have definitely been there. Sometimes I find myself overthinking the options and spiraling into indecision and fear of making a wrong decision. At that point, it becomes really difficult to choose either way. Can you relate?
Maybe it’s the fear of what other people will think, or the fear of disappointing God if we choose poorly. Or, maybe it’s the fear of the unknown that keeps us from making bold moves or persevering through a hard season. We may also struggle with decision-making because we feel like we need to know what will happen if we choose either route. We want all the answers and clear confirmation before we even begin. Unfortunately, life rarely works that way. We can’t see the future or clearly predict what will happen.
We may not even trust ourselves to make the right decision, so we don’t do anything. Is that you right now? Are you wondering if you are making the “right” decision or turning over endless possibilities in your mind? Maybe you’re worried you’ll make a bad decision.
Fear and overthinking can paralyze us and keep us from moving forward with a settled mind and heart. They can also lead to anxiety and double-mindedness which rob us of peace and joy. The better we become at making decisions without fear or overthinking, the easier it’s going to be to live each day in the freedom and joy God has given us.
Giving up control & not fully knowing.
Although we can’t see the future or know what will happen, we can trust in God’s goodness and His promise to guide us. We may not have the perfect plan or the ability to please everyone with our decisions, but we can surrender the control of the unknown future to the God who loves us.
Surrender has been a big deal for me over the past few years. I tend to worry about making bad decisions. But, I’m realizing that growing with God means that we don’t always know everything ahead of time. There’s a measure of trust we need to exercise in the God who loves us and promises to work all things for our good. Doing what we know is right even when it isn’t popular is difficult.
Maybe the decision we have to make means being uncomfortable or surrendering more of ourselves to the Lord. Whatever it is, we can trust that God gives wisdom to those who ask for it. And, His wisdom leads us into peace, contentment, joy, and love. We may not get all the answers we want, but we will have what we need when we ask Him. He gives us just enough to keep moving.
When I find myself doubting, wavering, or feeling tossed around by my emotions, the one stable place I can go to is God’s throne. He already knows what we are going through, but He wants to hear it from us directly. It’s at His feet where I remember to lay everything down. It’s where we can lay down the weight of our anxiety.
Takeaway Action/Challenge: What decisions are you brooding over right now? What has you afraid of making a decision either way? Take some time to talk with God about it. Lay the results and consequences at His feet and ask for direction. Walk confidently and humbly as He guides you.
