Why Is This Decision So Hard to Make

By Kevin Carson, pastor of Sonrise Baptist Church, Ozark, MO

Read Proverbs 17.

Have you ever wondered why when something seems so simple and clear to you it isn’t to another person? Or, the opposite, why does this decision seem so hard for you to make?

Depending upon the issue, this happens to each of us, for which there may be several reasons. Sometimes this relates to logic, at other times expertise, and then, at times, spiritual discernment.

Verse 24 of Proverbs 17 states, “Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.” Solomon observes that a discerning person sees wisely, while on the other hand, the foolish person searches everywhere for just the right or magic answer. The discerning person focuses on what is most important or wise, whereas the fool’s mind wanders on over-focusing on many nonessential things. The lack of focus on the right thing makes good decision-making difficult.

When you struggle to make a decision, start with wisdom. To help, you can ask yourself these two questions: 

“How does this decision demonstrate respect for God and love of neighbor?” (God’s heart – Proverbs 1:7; Matthew 22:38-40)

“What role do my desires play in determining the choice I want to make?” (My heart – James 1:2-18).

Where you focus determines the quality of the decision you will make. Click To Tweet

Where you focus determines the quality of the decision you will make.

Reflective Questions:

1. How often do decisions seem harder for you than others?
2. When struggling to make a decision, where is your focus?
3. Do you consider how your personal desires impact what you see as wise?

Memory Verse:

Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. Proverbs 17:24

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for showing me how to make wise decisions. Help me to seek your guidance and honor you with my decisions.

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