Decide To Look Back In Order To Gain Clarity - Making Tough Decisions with Confidence

“Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” (Deuteronomy 8:2, NIV)

Two older women, in their seventies, have been saying similar things recently about our need to wake up and be aware of the times we are living in. Based on the spiritual maturity of these mentor figures in my life, I’m listening closely to their insight as they exhort others to view current events through a Biblical worldview. They are communicating that time is short and we need to be on mission for God’s Kingdom. Lives are at stake.

We can get off course when we refuse to learn from history and see how it might inform our present and future decisions. This is an age-old issue, as we see the Israelites often forgetting God’s faithfulness to them, and being wise in their own eyes, which led them right back into a sin cycle of rebellion and oppression.

The book of Judges is full of examples of God’s people disregarding His clear instructions, being oppressed by their enemies, calling out to God for deliverance, and Him mercifully providing temporary judges to deliver them. Not long after they experienced relief, the Israelites went back to their sinful ways.

We can lose our way when we refuse, or forget, to remember where we’ve been. It’s important to learn from history and remember where we’ve been in order to not repeat the mistakes of the past. If we try to ignore or downplay what went wrong, we bypass a powerful tool in the decision-making process.

God supplies the wisdom we need to navigate this life and our daily decisions. He has revealed to us, throughout the Bible, how crucial it is to remember His faithfulness and what Jesus has done for us.

Here is a sampling of the incredible things Jesus has already accomplished! I like to call it Jesus’ ta-da list: He left heaven and came to earth in the flesh (John 1:14). He died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Jesus demonstrated His love for us (Rom. 5:8), showed us how to love others (John 13:34-35), and gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17).

When we are convinced of Jesus’ lavish love, and truly receive that love, it helps us make clearheaded decisions, and we are better positioned to make God-honoring and wise choices—from a place of security and trust.

When we look back and remember what Jesus has done, we are better equipped to navigate our present reality with clarity, and we have hope for our future.

What is a promise from God’s Word that you want to remember today?

Prayer:

Dear God: Help me remember Your faithfulness that is displayed in the Bible and in my life. I want to make decisions based on Your lavish love for me. Remind me of all that You are and all that You have already done. Grow my gratitude as I recount Your goodness. May I make the most of the time You have gifted me. May I not make decisions based on fear, but on Your wisdom, and out of deep love for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.