Tag Archive for: Psalms 37:23-24

What If You Choose Wrong?

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Psalms 37:23-24 — The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

We stared at the drab green wall with our arms crossed, barely enough room on the couch for our own elbows. We weren’t mad… just concerned.

Living in a camper had sounded like a spontaneous, youthful dream—saving money, simplifying life, and growing closer together.

But as my wife and I tripped over each other’s feet, we started wondering if we’d made the right decision.

Choices are hard. Big risks can bring big rewards or big consequences, and we had taken the risk.

I think as Christians, we can fall into one of two ditches. Some of us worry so much about making the right decision that we forget God is still in control. Others become so convinced that God is leading them that they stop using wisdom and thinking carefully about the decisions in front of them.

Scripture gives us a better way.

God cares about our choices. He gives us wisdom and discernment. We’re still responsible to pray, think, listen, seek wise counsel, and take the next step. But God’s sovereignty means our lives don’t hang by the thread of one perfect decision.

So when you hit a wall and feel that dread of, Did I make the wrong choice? remember this: God is with you in the decision-making. He sees what you can’t see, and He can guide you even when the path doesn’t unfold the way you expected.

Because that is true, I can take the next faithful step in front of me.

Some choices will work out beautifully. Others won’t. Some doors will open, and some will close. But if you’re walking with Christ, you can be confident that He sees farther down the road than any of us do.

Your hope ultimately doesn’t rest in your ability to choose perfectly.

So, yeah… my family bought an old camper, and we can be confident in downsizing.

And in the same way, if you’re staring at a big decision today, don’t let fear convince you that everything depends on getting it exactly right.

Pray. Seek wisdom. Take the next faithful step.

And then trust that even if you stumble, God is still faithful to steady you.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Is there a decision you’ve been worrying about because you’re afraid of making the wrong choice?
  • Are you more likely to overthink decisions or move too quickly without seeking wisdom?
  • What would it look like to pray, seek wise counsel, and then trust God with the outcome?
  • Can you think of a time when a decision didn’t turn out as expected, but God was still faithful to you?
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When God Says, “It’s Time”

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“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.”

Psalms 37:23-24

J.D. stood in front of the mirror, gathering his long hair into a loose ponytail. He had waited years for this—the chance to grow it out. His Christian school had always required boys to have short hair, but once we started homeschooling, he finally had the chance to let it grow. And so, he did. 

I didn’t mind it much. It was just hair, and a chance for him to figure out who he was and wanted to be. Despite the challenges of being mistaken for a girl, I knew it was crucial to support his journey of self-expression and independence. But as time passed, I found myself wondering if I was doing the right thing. 

Then, one evening, he came to me and said, “Mom, do you think I should cut my hair?” 

I hesitated. “Well, what do you think?” 

He shrugged. “I think I want to, but I am just not sure when.” 

Everything in me wanted to say, Now! Right now is a great time! But instead, I swallowed my eagerness and smiled. “Whenever you’re ready, just let me know.” 

Weeks passed. If I ever mentioned it, his answer was the same: “Not yet.” Then, one day, he walked into my home office with his face clouded with uncertainty. “Mom, I want to cut my hair… but I’m scared. It feels like part of my identity. I don’t know who I am without it. Will you pray for me?” 

So, we prayed. For clarity. For peace. For him to hear God’s voice. 

The next day at work, I got a text. “Mom, I was talking to my teacher, and she told me she had a dream that I cut my hair. I think this is what I want to do! I’m ready.” 

That night, as the scissors snipped through each lock, J.D. lifted his head as he studied his reflection. His smile said everything. You see, it was never about the hair, but all about how he saw himself in God’s eyes. Now, he had his answer. 

Years have passed since that moment, and J.D. now stands on the edge of adulthood, facing bigger decisions than a haircut. But when I think back to that night, I am reminded: If God could guide him then, He can guide him now. And He can do the same for all of us. 

Because no decision—big or small—falls outside of His care. 

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