COV LIFE BLOG

Resource Highlight – Just Do Something

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. – Psalm 32:8

Have you ever been plagued with worry about taking the wrong job? Choosing the right diet? Marrying the right person? Maybe it’s another life-altering decision. The list goes on!

Several months ago, we set aside time in our Missional Communities to dive into Kevin DeYoung’s Crazy Busy. That book’s subtitle was “A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem”. Just Do Something was also written by DeYoung, and is an even shorter book. For some of us, the problem it confronts is nearly just as big.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve heard the expression “God’s will” tossed around like “hello” and “what’s for breakfast?” Most of us have faced crossroads at one point or another, feeling unequipped to make a suitable decision at that given time. How often in those moments do we turn to God in desperation, asking Him to “show us His will”? If that prayer sounds familiar to you, you’re probably not alone. (I won’t dare exclude myself from the list of people who’ve misunderstood the role of God’s will playing out in my own life.)

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. – Psalm 16:11

God’s plan in the life of a Christian centers on loving and obeying Him fully. Many of us turn something clearly laid out in scripture into “one of the most confusing phrases in the Christian vocabulary”. As DeYoung shows, some also show a tendency to use the phrase “God’s will” as a trump card or excuse when making a particular decision. Why is it that we tend to “put the blame on God” after settling on a choice?

Our freedom to do anything and go anywhere ends up feeling like bondage more than liberty, because decision-making feels like pain, not pleasure.

By seeking God out through His word and the pursuit of godly counsel, we can approach both the big and small decisions with confidence rather than fear or cowardice. Since God can and does empower His people to make decisions, we ought to refrain from passivity and challenge others to do the same.

If you’re a person struggling with indecision, it might help to read this book rather than worrying for a while about whether you ought to or not. There are numerous other books on the topic, but this one is concise and a great place to start. For me it was a great aid to better understanding God’s complete faithful provision, while trusting the Spirit to offer his guidance while I make those [fill in the blank] decisions.

For other resources to help with your daily walk, check out our Recommended Books.

Kevin Wilder