When You’re Afraid of Getting it Wrong - Your Nightly Prayer - August 27

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When You’re Afraid of Getting it Wrong

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you (Psalm 32:8)

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Recently, I encountered a major crossroads in my career. Two paths spiraled out before me, offering distinct sets of benefits and drawbacks. I stood and considered them, as Robert Frost did in his famous poem, “The Road Not Taken,” but I could not as quickly choose which one to walk down–– for both were rather overgrown. Fear rose, shackling me so that I was unable to move forward. My greatest fear? Picking the wrong path.

Then deadlines loomed, and I knew a choice had to be made. At that time, God led me to talk to a godly woman who helped widen my perspective. Her wise counsel changed my view of the paths before me, recognizing that the question was not necessarily about making a “right” or “wrong” choice, but about considering the wisest use of my talents, resources, and gifts. And she reminded me that regardless of which path I chose, the Lord would continue to walk beside me.

Fear gave way to trust.

Psalm 32 is often classified as a wisdom psalm. Like most wisdom literature in the Bible, it reminds us that right living comes from knowing the Lord and being in a relationship with Him. Although commentators disagree on whether the Lord is speaking in this verse or if it is David giving advice to others, the truth remains that God will guide and teach us (see Proverbs 3:5-6). If we are walking with Christ, we will obey Him and listen to the wise counsel of others.

Many of us in the modern age struggle to understand that decision-making is meant to take place in the context of a relationship with God. We often view Him as someone who should quickly tell us what to do and how to do it (which path to take), using the Bible as the ultimate guidebook. But God’s Word is not meant to be divorced from the purpose of Scripture: to know the Lord. After all, Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Decisions are best made as we follow Him.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Lord, You know how often I second-guess myself when making decisions. I fear that I will somehow choose the wrong path and mess up Your perfect plan. But You are far greater than my decisions and mistakes. You promised to instruct me in the way I should go. So, I will follow You, Jesus, and trust that You will lead me where I need to be. Increase my desire for a closer relationship with You so that I seek You more than I seek the “right” decision. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1 A teacher who had a strong influence on your life. What did they do? How might the memory of this teacher provide you with a larger vision of God’s ability to instruct and guide you?

2 A time when you had to follow someone’s directions or guidance to get where you needed to be. Did the value of the direction increase when you knew the individual personally? Why or why not?

3 The container of a puzzle that shows the finished artwork. When looking at the individual pieces, it can be hard to know where each one fits. What are some practices that can increase your vision for better seeing the completed puzzle or a greater picture in life?

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Amaury Gutierrez

Sophia Bricker Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.

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