Do you live with it? Do you question what to do and when to do it? Do you second guess everything you say and do in hindsight? Do you wish you could be more secure and confident?
You are not alone. I have a tendency to make decisions and then begin to see all the pitfalls of my decision. I make commitments based on what I think is a full evaluation of a situation, then fall prey to a bevy of doubt. Although I see the pros, the cons start filling my mind and fluttering around like butterflies in my flowerbed.
Butterflies flit from blossom to blossom in search of nectar and sustenance. Yet they do not beat themselves up flying from dandelions to roses, and roses to apple blossoms. They cannot know when they might fly into a spider's web hanging invisibly from a garden gate. They are never aware of curious children--who fascinated by their beauty--try to capture them and store them in a jar. They have instincts that lead them in search of their needs and desires.
People do that, too. We seek our own ways. We search for things that give us comfort, pleasure, and peace. However...few people are so confident that they cannot make mistakes, missteps or poor decisions in their quests. We all know that. Great people make mistakes. Educated people make mistakes. Wealthy people lose. Miracle cures are made by trial and error--and through most experiments that fail. There are no perfect people, no perfect moms or dads. I have made thousands of mistakes, but I've also made good decisions. The best was that of changing my ways, letting go of mistakes, and turning to God. Yet, even as Christians we can stumble as we grow in faith.
When we make a poor decision, we have to live with consequences of that decision. We can beat ourselves up and be frightened of our every move, or have mercy upon ourselves and move on. We are often quick to forgive others when they make mistakes, but have difficulty forgiving ourselves. In Christ, we do not have to worry. Jesus loves us as we are. He died for us knowing full well we made mistakes. The apostle Paul is responsible for writing the majority of the New Testament, yet he had times he made the mistakes and dealt with uncertainty: "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." Romans 7:15
We need not be paralyzed by fear of the unknown. We can trust God to guide us because He says He will. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26
Prayer: Lord, for those who come by today and read this, I pray You give them direction. I pray you help them with their doubt and give them the assurance of Your peace and love. selahV
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