TOO MUCH
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go." Joshua 1:7, ESV
Theme: More choices may cause us to be overwhelmed and stressed, rather than satisfied. Stay focused on what God has asked of you.
DECISION FATIGUE
It’s estimated that an average adult makes more than 35,000 decisions in a day. Sometimes I feel like I’ve made that many before lunch! Our days are cluttered with decisions. Some are seemingly insignificant, like whether to unload the dishwasher or fold the laundry first, what time to leave for work, or which outfit to wear. Others, like whether to buy a new home, start or end a business venture, or make a relationship commitment, carry more weight. Decision-making has consequences, whether for good or bad.
While I am the “go to” person in my daily life for just about everything, there is one area in which I take no responsibility: travel planning. All of that planning falls squarely on the shoulders of my husband and he’s GREAT at it. I prefer to be the person who shows up with my bags and my identification, waiting for someone to tell me what to do. I don’t want to make a single decision about our vacation travel, our stay, or the entertainment. My “vacation” begins when we mention that we’re taking one! My husband has learned over the years though that if he really wants my input, it needs to be in a multiple-choice format from a very short list. Too many details from the universe of options makes me feel overwhelmed ... and I immediately check out!
JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO
It may seem counterintuitive, but fewer (quality) choices lead to greater satisfaction and lower regret in decision making. Too many options may cause fatigue from choice overload and an inability to process excessive information. Rather than finding enjoyment from a multitude of options, we are often left feeling overwhelmed and confused. My daughter went from a teenager who proclaimed, “You’re not the boss of me!” to a young adult asking, “Can’t you just tell me what to do?” An aversion to making a final decision is the fear of responsibility for the outcome. We don’t want to be wrong or make a mistake!
THE GUIDANCE WE SEEK
While we may not be able to look to Scripture for all 35,000 decisions we make in a day, guidance exists on prioritizing what God asks of us. Today’s scripture calls us not only to be strong and courageous, but it directs us to the law that Moses commanded. To dig in, let’s look to Joshua 22:5, where the Commandments and the Law given to Moses are reiterated: Love the Lord your God, walk in obedience to Him, keep His commands, hold fast to Him and serve Him. It’s a reminder to reflect on the “Big 10” (Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21). Prayerful consideration and the use of these principles as a measurement will bring greater peace and confidence in those important decisions.
Make It Personal: Do you experience decision paralysis or fear of taking responsibility for big commitments? Is there a weighty choice on the horizon which you’re procrastinating because you don’t know where to start in evaluating it? The Bible provides us guidance for exercising discernment and prioritizing the alternatives. Measure your choices against what God asks of His followers, how the commandments direct us to live and, above all, whether they glorify Him. Prayerfully and expectantly, go to God. Then, listen and obey where He leads.
Pray: God, help me to see through the overwhelming clutter around me. When I become anxious, help me turn my focus to You and Your Word. I want to serve You and fulfill the calling You have for my life. Give me confidence and peace in prayerful decisions, knowing You will work all things for good. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
Read: Deuteronomy 30:9-10; Philippians 4:6-7; Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5
Weekly Memory Verse: “For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling...” Isaiah 30:15, ESV