Pause, Ponder, & Pray

Sometimes when faced with making major decisions we find that answers are hard to come by. The truth is, most of us have “trouble” making major life decisions and sticking to them. Our hesitation and apprehension may come from the fear of making the wrong decision. It may come from the fear of making the right decision. Or it could merely come from making ANY decision at all.

Some of us jump in headfirst and later decide that we should have taken more time in our decision making process. Others suffer from indecision and become paralyzed by an ability to do anything at all. Then, there are those who tackle decision making with skill and tact.

I have been on all sides of this triangle. Depending on the situation, I have acted or reacted with one of these three responses. On some occasions, I seek the advice of an objective party who can help me to take a different look at the outcomes that may arise from my final decision. This sometimes helps me to find an answer that makes me feel confident and comfortable. Still, there are times when even the help of an objective party is not enough to give me that peace that I am making the “right decision.”

Recently, I was faced with making a major career decision. In doing so, I pondered various outcomes but still was unable to feel that peace about either decision I was planning to make. Finally, I decided that if I wanted “peace” with the outcome I had to make the decision “peacefully.” I decided to apply a technique that I want to invite you to try when you too are faced with making tough decisions in your own life.

Pause, Ponder & Pray. It’s a simple yet effective way to find peace in the decisions you make for your life.

Pause-Just stop. Many times, we make bad decisions because we rush into them. Don’t feel rushed to decide right away. Give yourself some time to come up with an answer.

Ponder-Take some time to look at the various outcomes. Right down the pros and cons of each. Think about how you would feel with each decision made. Spend some quality time weighing your options without over thinking the whole thing.

Pray-Take time to consult the author and finisher of your life. God knows you better than you know yourself. He knows the answer without the question. Spend some time with God and ask Him what direction you should take.

Whatever you decide, these steps can lead you to a decision that brings you PEACE. If it does not feel right and you do not have peace with it, it is not the best decision.

Making life-altering decisions is never easy, but with a little help you can do it and feel good about yourself and your decision. What decision have you been putting off making? Is it taking that new job or going back to school? Maybe you are trying to decide whether or not to have another child. Whatever it is, know that indecision is never the answer.

And that’s all I have to say….