Decisiveness And Worry

The story is told of a weary traveler who came to the banks of a river and was faced with a difficult decision. There was no bridge on which to cross, and the stream was covered with ice. After much debate, the man decided to give the ice a try even though he was unsure if it would support his weight. Tentatively, he got down on his hands and knees and began to cross, thinking that if he distributed his weight over the ice there would be less chance of breaking it. Slowly, he began inching his way across. But, as he was about half-way across, he heard the sound of singing behind him. As he turned his head, out of the dimly lit sky, he saw a four-horse sleigh laden with a load of coal. As if whisked along by the winter’s wind, the merry little driver crossed with his load to the other side.

We can identify with the weary traveler because we have often discovered that the thing we have feared the most was really not sufficient to produce the worry we gave it. Faith in God can help us avoid needless anxiety. The Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Ph. 4:6-7).

While faith in God may be the most effective antidote to worry, decisiveness is also a blessing. Many cannot find peace because they are forever at the bank of indecision. Just before his victory at Mt. Carmel, Elijah asked the people: “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (1 Kgs. 18:21). We must recognize the foolishness of indecisiveness as it relates to our service to God. Jesus said that we will either be for Him or against Him. Straddling the fence is an unhappy existence. The greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all the heart, mind, and soul. Lasting happiness is not afforded to those who give God the leftovers of their lives. Make your decision to follow God and stick to it. Let your determination be a reflection of Joshua’s firm resolve when he addressed the people with these familiar words: “And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).

Make right decisions and act upon them. Forever deciding whether or not to do what God has commanded—attending worship services, reading the Bible, or obeying the gospel command to be baptized—will result only in misery. Go ahead and make the right decision. Do what God tells you to do in His word. Launch out in faith and find the joy that comes with placing yourself in His protective care.

~Glen Eliot