Do you know the feeling that comes when there are important decisions that are needing to be made? The days tick off the calendar and the weight inside grow. To me it feels more like pressure building and that’s right where I am today.
Let’s explore.
It’s not that decisions are that difficult to make. They usually are not, if you’re really honest about it. Maybe have some experience using helpful tools. You can easily make a list: Which choice adds value? Which is quicker? Less obstructive? Which will be better in time to come? Which one is less costly? There are many questions to ask to come to good solid, common sense, even wise decisions. But I’m not so much interested in making a good earthly decision as I am in pleasing my Father.
What does scripture have to say?
Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, when He said, “Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” in Matthew 6:10. Phrases are used like: He went away to pray. He prayed all night. He went to a quiet or a secluded place to pray. He went to a mountain to pray. He went to the wilderness to pray.
What I’m discovering is the more time I spend looking for God’s will, listening to what He has to say in His word, and waiting on His timing the less I’m focused on that thing that is causing the pressure to build up.
Why? Because the Lord has given us this promise. That He will keep (provide the shelter and protection over) me in perfect peace when I keep my mind (my thoughts, ideas, imaginations) fixed (focused) on Him. Isaiah 26:3
For me it looks like using a pressure cooker. The pressure’s building up inside and continues until you open that tiny crack to let the steam escape. When enough steam escapes you can safely open the lid because the pressure has been released. The action is opening a vent hole in the cooker. Similarly, the action of prayer opens our heart and mind to God’s truth and power. Our internal pressure is released and the peace comes.
So join me! Let off some steam and open your heart and mind to what God has to say.
