Just Make a Decision Already!

As women we are known to change our minds a few times. We are known to say one thing while meaning another. We can feel one way in our hearts, but still do the opposite anyways because we tend to want to make others around us happy. 

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

My future mother in law (19 days and counting! LOL) always says to me, "Let your no be no and your yes be yes." As simple as this sounds, it can be so easy to say no and then do it or say yes and then not follow through. It leaves behind a personally feeling of yuckiness, knowing you can't even depend on your own self to do and say what you mean. 

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. ...

Proverbs 18: 1-24

Everyday we are faced with making hundreds of decisions. We make decisions about what we will wear, say, eat, who we will talk to, where we will go, how we handle a situation and so on and so forth. A lot of the decisions we make we hardly even think of. Going to the bathroom, blinking, breathing, sighing, habits and reactions. Yet decision making is a huge part of life.

People who can not make up their mind are annoying. (I can say that because there was a time I was one.) They never know what they want, they constantly teeter on the fence not willing to choose a direction and stick with it. 

I realized this about myself years ago in the midst of a really bad relationship. I realized a few things that contributed to the demise of this relationship and therefore my inner unhappiness: I realized I wasn't thankful for what I had, yet I was ungrateful for what I didn't have. I was looking everywhere but up. I couldn't make up mind for the life of me, because I was too worried about making my boyfriend happy - which was not an easy task. I was looking to a man a to make me happy instead of God. These revelations were life changing!

My heart knew that there was more to life. I knew I could be happy again. Truly happy. 

Here is the thing about decisions. Some decisions you make daily and then there are some you only make once and then as Pastor Stovall has said- you then maintain that decision for the rest of your life.

For example: The choice to become a Christian. It is not something I have to wake up every morning and decide. I already know I am. What my decision know is how will I go about studying, learning,growing and being a Christian. 

Once I get married I won't have to decide if I love this man or if I will forgive him his faults, I already will make that choice the day we get married. What I will have to choose is how I carry out that love for him the rest of my life. 

Whatever you are facing in life right this moment. Whatever you feel you need to change or fix I challenge you to make a decision: Make a decision to do what is right regardless of how hard it feels. Make a decision to focus on Jesus every time it gets hard. Make a decision to let your yes be yes and your no be no. Stand on what you know is true and aim to please God and not man. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

I have found being able to do what I say and say what I mean has increased my confidence in myself. By aiming to please God verses man I am not as hurt when someone does something offensive. I am able to re-focus on Jesus and accept the fact that we all fall short of the glory of God and truly forgive others. When my thinking starts going in a bad direction instead of evening acknowledging it or giving it any power I have made a decision to train myself to just start thinking of Jesus. I capture my thoughts and submit them onto the Lord.I change my direction of thinking, clear my head and make a decision I am able to firmly stand on. 

Being indecisive is no fun. It actually makes life harder. 

Dear Lord,

 

You amaze me everyday. I had no idea that these words were in me today, but as always when I let the Holy Spirit lead I am always pleasantly surprised. Thank you Jesus for always teaching us and guiding us to be the best us we can be. Thank you for your patience and kindness during the process.  

Thank you for a firm foundation that allows me to stand strong and gives me assurance. I pray Lord that we aim to please you and that we are bold enough to do what you have called us to do no matter what the world may say. We put our trust in you, 

In Jesus name, 

Amen.