When You Don’t Know What To Do
Sometimes knowing the right thing to do is hard. Especially when you’re in a circumstance that you didn’t choose or seems out of your control. Health problems, financial strain, conflict with others, “the terrible twos”, rebellious teens, or emotional turmoil can all cause us to second guess our sanity and can leave us feeling like we don’t know which end is up. We may grapple with thoughts like “How do I deal with this?” or “What do I do now?”
So, what do you do when you don’t know what to do?
1. Pray for wisdom.
Is your first recourse to pray about it? If God can be trusted to care for your very soul, then He is also trustworthy in ” smaller matters.” Before you go to the phone, go to the throne.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5.
2. Search the Scriptures.
Spend time reading about the life of Christ in the gospels. You’ll learn how He thought and what He expects of those who follow Him. You’ll see His heart for others, his servant’s heart, his willingness to yield to the will of Another, His reactions, His priorities, how He handled crisis.
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Ps. 16:11
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Ps. 119:105
3. Seek Wise Counsel.
Ask an older woman who is wise and discreet. Someone who has a reputation of self control with their tongue and emotions. Someone who knows and applies the scripture to their lives (knowledge means little if it does not change the life.)
Elizabeth George describes a wise woman this way:
“The woman who is wise is a woman who is sober-minded, well-minded, sound-minded. Passions and thoughts are under control, therefore she is self controlled and of sound mind, acting with wisdom.”
Some opposites of wisdom are : foolishness, rashness, overly enthusiastic (acting without thinking of the consequences), overly talkative, quick to share her opinion when not asked, offensive, impulsive, angry, moody/emotional, harshness of speech, judgmental/critical of others.
4. Just do the next “right thing.”
Don’t stop working and withdraw yourself from people when things get tough. And don’t worry about the fact that you don’t know how this trial will play out in the end. Just do what is in front of you. Is there a house to be cleaned? A child to be loved? A meal to be made? A kind word to be spoken? Love those who come into your path today. Do the right thing one thing at a time.
Sarah, I had to look it up, it’s been so long–but the title is A Chance To Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael, by Elisabeth Elliot. I have a huge amount of respect for both women, which is why I really sat up and paid attention when I read the episode that called attention to the need for wise counsel!
I will look into getting it!! 🙂 Thanks!!
This reminds me of Elizabeth Elliot’s biography of Amy Carmichael, in which EE criticized Amy Carmichael for making a huge decision without seeking advice of other wise Christians first. I couldn’t believe that EE was criticizing Amy Carmichael, of all people! But she did have a point, and reading about Amy’s decision (which later proved to be unwise) and Elizabeth Elliot’s high opinion of wise guidance from others obviously made a huge impression on me.
Love #4.
Which bio was that, Anne? I had not heard that story before. It is true that seeking wise counsel is a safer route. We sometimes have blind spots especially in hard times, when we may not be thinking clearly. This is why we need the body of Christ. We were not made to function entirely independently and when we do, we may risk unnecessary hurt.
Hi Sarah! Thank you for this post . It was a blessing to me. I’m a quote lover and I love what you wrote, “Do the right thing, one thing at a time.” I have a white board at work where I put up a “Thought for the Day” This will make its way there.
Just what I needed! You are an increadible blessing, & in SO many ways! Luv ya!
Thank you!!
Thank you. xx