Beating the Indecision Blues

Indecision. It's a paralyzing malady. In the middle of a "What do I do?" attack, we often do nothing. Sometimes that works best because we simply need to "be still and know that He is God." (Psalm 46:10) Too often, however, indecision cripples the progress we could make by choosing a path.

As pastors, Greg and I are often faced with important decisions that affect, not only our own lives, but others' lives as well. There are times when the "demon" of indecision rears its ugly head and hinders us from heeding that still small voice within. So, how do we combat the enemy?

First, we pray. We ask God to speak clearly to us and to help us hear His voice.

Next, we listen to our own feelings. I'm a firm believer in a "gut feeling" - that sense, or intuition, deep within us that tells us what's right or wrong. I believe that's the voice of God's Spirit directing and guiding us as He did Elijah in 1 Kings 19. We just need to listen.

We may also seek the advice of godly counselors. Proverbs 15:22 says "Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established." And in verse 11:14, "in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Seeking advice and wisdom from other Christians can be helpful when we need to make a decision. Sometimes God will reveal His will to us through the words of others. We just need to seek them out.

Whenever we're faced with indecision, the first rule is to remember that - ultimately - the decision is the Lord's. Our place is simply to discover His will on the matter, whatever the matter may be.

Unfortunately, that may take a time of waiting, praying, and seeking His face. But He has promised He will answer. When we trust in Him, His word promises that "If any of [us] lack wisdom... it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

What a blessing to know an all-knowing God has the answer we need for every indecision we face in life!