What Do I Do Now?

Everyone has been at a point in their lives when they didn’t know what to do next. It is difficult to be at a crossroads not knowing which way to go.

Decision making can be tricky with a mixture of emotion and logic coming into play. People often will give fortune-cookie-advice like “Follow your heart!” which may or may not be your best option. Listening to your heart may be nothing but pure emotion. I have witnessed people following their heart with emotion and blaming it on God. Yes, God does direct us but just because it feels good and makes you giddy, does not mean it is God.

Logic can also be a trap. We can convince ourselves with logic to do something when it is a horrible idea.

So, let’s get back to the original question, “What Do I Do Now? Here a few things to consider:

Give God a chance.
Before you start making a bunch of wild decisions, stop and pray. Ask the Lord for help and directions. He will help you. If you ask, He will give you wisdom. Consult the Word of God about your situation. Pray and listen to God.

“Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength” (Proverbs 8:14 NKJV).

Take a deep breath.
Don’t knee jerk. Take a deep breath and wait a little bit. Give yourself time to let your emotions even out. I wonder how many people who are serving decades in prison because they didn’t count to five and consider what they were about to do. You can always act but you cannot retract an awful mistake.

Hyped up emotions will elevate things beyond what they really are. You may be making a big deal out of a little deal.

I’ve had enough! I’m just going to quit!
Maybe that sounds good for a second or two! Where are you going to go and what are you going to do? Are you going to swap Hell #2 for Hell #1? The same demons biting at your heals are going to follow you to the next location and the next person. A change of location may not change your situation. Deal with your weaknesses first. Dig in and win the battle where you are before you cross the fence to the greener pastures. [Note: I’m not advocating hanging around where you are genuinely endangered!]

Balance your decision.
Briefly visit the other end of the balance between logic and emotion. If you think you are currently operating mostly on emotion, force yourself to think logically about the situation. Then on the other hand, if you are operating out of logic, allow your emotional side to filter your thoughts.

How many people married the wrong person because they were caught up in puppy-love-world and overlooked the logical warning signs of trouble. “Oh, once we marry, I’m sure he will quit those bad habits!” Yeah, right?? [Sarcasm Intended]

“A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel” (Proverbs 1:5 NKJV).

Talk to someone who will be honest with you.
A trusted friend and especially a more experienced mentor may see things you do not see. Listen and genuinely consider what they say.

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14 NKJV).

Put some kind of plan into action.
A plan of action is not one step but several in sequence. If one step will solve your problem, then you probably don’t have a big problem. Your end goal will most likely take several steps to get where you need to be. It may take you a while to dig out of your situation—be as patient as you can be.

“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV).

Take the next logical safe step.
Do not be afraid or lazy in taking the first step. Tip your toes in the water instead of going off the high dive. This will get you over the jitters and will gradually build your confidence in following the right decision. It will usually give you time to turn around if you see you made a mistake. There comes a point and time when you need to do something. Take the first step.

“The lazy man says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!’” (Proverbs 22:13 NKJV).

This is not a conclusive list, but just a few things to think about as you work your way out of problems and situations. Remember to ask God for help, look for answers and help from the Bible, seek advice and counsel from trusted friends, think first and act second, make a plan, and eventually take the first step.

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: / and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. / But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: / and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.

(Words of Jesus, Matthew 7:24-27 NKJV)

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt