Putting Proverbs 3:5-6 in Practice

Recently I was faced with a difficult decision to make. The decision itself isn't important. What is important is that this decision came with far greater reaching consequences than I was comfortable with, and I knew I had to do my best to see that I made a wise decision.

I have always been rather impetuous in my decision-making. I know what I want, so I actively pursue it. My passion and zeal can be construed as a positive characteristic, but there are some decisions in life in which this type of active pursuit is inappropriate. It's not wise to make rash decisions on the fly without stopping to thoroughly consider all the possible consequences and outcomes. This, I have learned, comes with age and experience. If only I could've been blessed with that wisdom in my youth!

As I have grown older, and gained more responsibility in the form of a husband, bills, children, and a home, I have grown to understand and even appreciate that certain decisions in life require the careful insight and consideration that only the Holy Spirit can provide. What exactly do I mean? I mean, I have to be a Proverbs 3:5-6 kind of decision-maker: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." It's not about MY will for me, it's about HIS.

In coming to the ultimate conclusion for this particular decision, I petitioned God for wisdom and clarity. It wasn't until I completely and absolutely submitted myself to His will that I received an answer. It was an "eleventh hour" response, but God's timing is superior to that of mine anyway. I asked Him to help me, and He did. I asked that it would be His will for my life, and not my will for my life, that would speak louder. Asked... and answered.

For those who may be in a similar situation, allow me to offer a small word of advice: don't try to go it alone. God knows what is best for each and every one of us - even those of us who would keep Him at arm's length or refuse to acknowledge Him altogether. He knows what our ultimate best is, and He wants nothing but that ultimate best for each and every one of His children.

It is my prayer that those who are facing difficult decisions would ask for God to reveal in their hearts what He has in store. That we would "lean not on our own understanding" and lean on the one who understands EVERYTHING. God, help us to hear you speak, and help us receive all that You have for us. Open our eyes and ears to receive Your words, then give us strength and courage to do Your will. Show us how to move, and give us patience to wait. Please, God, speak to us in a way that our hearts will understand and find peace. Help us to know Your voice from any other...