Fear In Making The Wrong Decision

In review of Psalm 23:3 it says, “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake”

Bottom Line:

He renews strength and provides guidance.

What this means to me:

God refreshes my soul and renews my strength. He guides me along the right paths that bring honor to his name.

Today's passage comes from probably the most remembered Psalms in the Bible, Psalm 23.  It is a psalm of David's where he lays out God's leadership, guidance and goodness in his life.  In particular this morning, today's verse highlights how God renews strength, provides guidance all in a manner that honors his Him.

This morning I’m considering the fear that comes from making the wrong decision.  When I find that I can’t make up my mind, I end up staggering through life. James 1 reminds me that if I  remain double-minded, I become unstable in everything I do. Interestingly enough, the Greek word for unstable literally means “stagger like a drunk.”

Today’s passage can be considered an antidote to our indecision. Psalm 23:3 tells me, “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake” (NIV). I can handle the stress of decision-making by letting God guide me.

I have found that at times when I’m asking God to guide, I’ve become more confused than before. I remember struggling with, “Why is knowing God and his will so difficult?” I don’t think that God playing games with me. I believe He wants us to know his will more than I want to know it. My problem is likely related to looking for the wrong thing when I’m trying to find God’s will.

For example, I might be looking for a feeling. To be swept off my feet by some emotion so that I can say, “That’s how I know what God’s will is!” Or I may take a more methodical approach, wanting a recipe or a formula to apply. Or I may even resort to a magical approach to God’s will, some fantastic sign; write it in the sky, text me on the phone, or receive an email.

However, I can see where all of these ways lead to frustration and cause me to miss God’s will. What I’m learning is that God’s will is not a feeling or a formula or something he wants me to be frustrated or fearful about.  Also, God does not want me confused, and he does not want me stressed over making any decision. He just promises to be there, guiding me every small step of the way.  

The first verse in psalm 23 starts with saying the “The Lord is my shepherd.”  What I need to remember is that a shepherd never gives his sheep a complete plan or a road map. Being sheep, he just instructs them one step at a time. In a like manner, He helps encourage me and renewing me as I need it. When I follow, He will guide me along a path that is best for me. When I’m obedient, I bring honor to him.