Sometimes the weight of decision-making causes a lot of anxiety. The average person makes about 35,000 decisions per day. That’s approximately 2,200 decisions during each waking hour. Granted, most decisions have little impact. What can I get for you today? Toasted or not? What kind of cheese? Psychologists and sociologists say that emerging generations, expecially Gen Y and Z, are the most anxious in the history of the world. We live in the “Age of Anxiety.” Why so much anxiety? One main cause is too many choices.  It’s much easier to make a decision based on 5 choices than when there are literally hundreds of options. Another major reason for anxiety is the fear of making a wrong choice. Where should I go to college? What job should I take? How do I find the right husband/wife? The fear of making the wrong decision about something that has a major impact on a person’s life and future can cause them to procrastinate, become trapped in indecision and anxiety. It is essential to develop a process for decision-making that relieves anxiety and keeps us on the path God designed for us.

Scriptures – Ph 4:4-8; Acts 15:22, 25, 28; Pr 14:12; Ro 8:28

Verses – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Ph 4:4-7) There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death. (Pr 14:12) We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Ro 8:28)

Thought

In the early church there were many decisions to be made regarding doctrine (church policy). Jews and Gentiles were coming together for a common purpose, to worship and serve God. But their customs and past were drastically different, so controversy over various religious beliefs was inevitable. Many of these issues were important, defining and ground breaking for the New Testament church; the church’s advancement and growth would be affected by the decisions made. Some believers felt there should be rules regarding what meats they could eat, and Jews believed all men should be circumcised, an Old Testament ritual that distinguished those belonging to God from the pagans. To work through these questions, leaders of the church and representatives from various congregations gathered and sought guidance from the Scriptures and from God, and from each other. Sometimes the Bible doesn’t give a clear-cut answer to a question we have or spell out what the best decision is. So, what should a Christian do? As we have discussed over the past few weeks, first we need to pray, seek God, then praise God for who he is, and then seek guidance from the body of Christ, brothers and sisters in the faith. We can make the most informed and Godly decisions when we put this process into practice. Having a process for making important decisions can help to relieve much of the anxiety that could otherwise result.

Questions

Do small decisions that have little or no long-term affect, cause you anxiety? If so explain. What do you need to do to alleviate the anxiety you feel? How do you deal with potentially life-changing decisions? Explain. How can you use the Bible to guide you in decision-making when there is no clear-cut answer?

Response

If a big decision is weighing you down work through the process. Pray, praise and seek guidance from God’s word and from your faith family, then move forward. Don’t allow yourself to be trapped in indecision.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to make good and Godly decisions. Lead me on your path, and thank you that all things work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.