Every time I am faced with those tough decisions in life, invariably I go to the Lord in prayer; not just once, but often. I will pray several times a day and sometimes for days, weeks and even months. I wish the Lord would allow me to meet with him every morning and just say, “OK Bob this is what I want you to do today”. He has decided not to communicate in such a fashion and therefore we must search for the answers in other ways.
It often requires patience and the answer is not instantaneous. This can drive one up the wall, as we all want our answers as soon as we ask. Perhaps God in His infinite wisdom knows that we should wait and let the situation unfold a little more, or that we need more information and we need to investigate it more thoroughly. As I grow older I am not as quick to act as when I was young and impulsive. When I wait for God I never regret it.
It is easy to know when the proper decision has been made. A calm feeling of peace surrounds me. On the other hand if I am moving in the wrong direction, peace is not to be found and I feel uneasy and restless. I often cannot sleep as I wrestle with it in my mind over and over. I hate that feeling more than anything. I also get it when I begin to backslide or succumb to temptation. When I am in sync with the Lord I feel a warmth, satisfaction and indescribable feeling of peace of mind and heart. I believe that the Holy Spirit of God is instrumental in this aspect of our lives.
It is difficult to think of God as three distinct entities, but the Bible teaches that is how God’s being is comprised. When we become a Christian the Holy Spirit actually resides in us as believers and becomes part of our being. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit of God and we are told to take care of our bodies because of this. The Holy Spirit is in part our conscience and I believe the restless, uneasy feelings that we sometimes get when we are not doing the will of God comes from the Holy Spirit as do the feelings of peace that surpass understanding. Based on my Bible study I know that the Holy Spirit also prays for me and in such a manner as I am incapable and does everything permissible aside from interfering with free will to help me to achieve my absolute best for God. The Bible teaches that God is with us always until the ends of the earth and beyond. I believe this to be the Holy Spirit residing within our hearts, souls and minds.
Knowing this helps me in my daily life and especially when faced with those “monumental” decisions. I tell myself, “Just think God is right here with me always”. He is praying for me, encouraging me, and as stated above, I can actually feel His presence when I make the right and the wrong decisions.
I read that Einstein did not believe in a personal God. He did believe in God as a form of higher intellect and he believed in “intelligent design”; however he missed out on the best aspect of God. Einstein missed out on Jesus Christ. God loved us so much He allowed His Son Jesus Christ to die for us. How can a God be more personal than that and how much convincing does one need to know that He cares about our daily lives and wants to help us with “every” detail of it including those tough decisions. We are instructed to take everything to God in prayer and we should think of approaching the Holy Spirit of God as not being far away, floating on some cloud in a distant universe. Take a breath right now where you sit and know that God is taking that breath with you. (Pretty cool stuff – isn’t it?)
One word of caution here in that sometimes pastors and other good Christian friends may not necessarily know the will of God for “your” life. I have been approached to donate money to certain causes, go on missionary trips, and participate in various church activities and causes that were great causes, but not necessarily right for me. I know this because I am often faced with these situations and after praying about it, God has sometimes led me away from them. I recommend that you always try to discern what “God” wants you to do and not necessarily rely 100% on His representatives or your own understanding. After asking God what He wants us to do and the answer becomes clear, then we should trust the Lord with all of our hearts and we will do the right thing. And then me must act boldly and with confidence.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.