"But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil." (Proverbs 1:33)
In our series Overcoming Fear at Work, we have each considered a specific decision we need to make. It must be a significant decision if you have been thinking about something in particular.
Have you found that what you expected to learn and experience differs from what you are actually learning and experiencing? As I searched for the answer to a crucial decision, I found God provided what I had forgotten I really needed.
As I looked to God for direction on whether it was a “Yes” or “No,” He has been leading me back to Him, bringing me back to who He is, His love for me, and how He wants the best for me. Before I could make my decision, God brought me to a place of calmness, clarity, and conviction.
Calmness: When confronted with decisions, there is often stress and anxiety. As I brought my issue to God, I looked to Him to provide the answers. However, as I daily read His word and spent time with Him, that was not the first place He took me to. Instead, God dealt with my emotional needs and brought calmness to me. In addition, there was also more of a general calm which “spilled over” into other areas of both my work and personal life. I did not yet know what to do, but my anxiety about it was replaced with calmness.
Calmness in decision making: When we seek God and listen to Him so we can follow His will, He blesses us beyond our expectations. We more deeply understand His love and faithfulness, bringing calmness to our hearts and soul.
"For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds." (Psalm 108:4)
Clarity: It can be overwhelming to know what to consider when making certain decisions. Do we look at the impact of no longer having the present situation or the opportunities/challenges of an unknown? Who should we consider? How does my personal life fit into this decision? When I brought my issue to God, I addressed more than the obvious question.
Clarity in decision making: When we seek God's direction in a difficult decision, He provides clarity about the different aspects and relationships we need to consider in our decision-making. Our thoughts became more organized as we spent regular time in His Word, praying and listening.
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:6)
Conviction: When we turn to God for knowledge, wisdom, and courage, He convicts us of what is truly important. We understand God has a specific plan for each of us. Clarity leads us to what and who we need to think about, but we then move to be convicted of our real-life priorities.
Conviction in decision making: God provides calm and clarity when we turn to Him for wisdom in making a decision. When we spend time in His Word and listen to Him, we become convicted that the next step will reflect His law and principles.
"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Taking This to God in Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I have a difficult decision facing me, and I want to my decision to best honor You. Thank You for Your Word and for speaking to me. You provide so much when I seek You; calmness and peace, clarity and insights, conviction and confidence. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness in all situations and for the answers You will provide. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
May God richly bless you as you turn to Him for your decisions this week at work.
Bonny, Christian Women at Work
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