Making decisions is something we’re all faced with. Every day, we get up and decide what to wear. For some, this may be a major decision; for others, not so much. It is not unusual for me to try on one shirt and change it several times because I don’t like the way it looks or fits. We’re all plagued by decisions, and we all want to make the right one.

Years of counseling have shown me that many people want answers to their problems. Often, they want me to make the decisions for them, to tell them what to do. But that was never and is never my function. I suppose one reason we want someone else to make the decision for us is that if it goes wrong, we have someone to blame. No one wants to make the wrong decision, so we look for ways to make the best decision possible. So how do we do that?

Some say to pray, and although I agree with that, others and I often end up more confused than when we started. Why? Is it that God doesn’t care or that he’s not answering our prayers? Or is the request so mundane that God isn’t interested? The Scriptures state that God knows the number of hairs on our heads. In fact, he says, “You are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (Luke 12:7). So, if all of this is true, then why do we struggle to make the right decisions? Can’t God give us a clear answer?

Let me say that any decision I make must align with the Scriptures. If I’m in conflict with my neighbor, Scripture is clear that I’m to love them (Mark 12:31). Yet that may also mean holding them accountable for their actions. It’s a balance to maintain. But deciding to change jobs or buy a new car may not be as easy. In those cases, we must take the time to weigh all the factors while separating ourselves from the emotions that so easily drive our decisions. Where are the biggest problems found? Emotions. If emotions are driving your choices, don’t make them. Please wait until you can think through them clearly. Think about it.