Devotionals for the Heart: When you feel weary from making decisions

When Making Decisions Feels Overwhelming
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”—Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the decisions clamoring for your attention? 

According to Psychology Today, research shows the average adult makes approximately 35,000 conscious decisions daily. The alarm goes off, you open your eyes, hit snooze, close your eyes, turn off the alarm, and get out of bed—five decisions made within the first minutes of your waking hours. There are 24 hours in a day, minus six hours for sleeping, which equals 18 waking hours. With 35,000 decisions as the average per day, that is math I choose not to calculate!

We make decisions and think carefully about our choices. We don’t choose illness, earthquakes, or the loss of a loved one. We have no control over the person who cuts in line at the grocery store any more than we can control the drunk driver who is reeling down the freeway. Life itself is in the hands of God Almighty. We are not in control. I feel relieved that humans are not the ones controlling the universe. It’s clear that would not be a good idea!

We make a plethora of conscious and unconscious decisions daily and it’s exhausting. Several years ago, I went through a season of wrestling with a specific decision that would affect my life going forward. It began on an average workday, where I served as the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Specialist for a large school district. I was attending a statewide STEM event for educators with about 300 in attendance.

Suddenly someone tapped on my shoulder, and introduced herself as Edie Williams, the Director of the Arizona Science Center. This remarkable, accomplished woman asked me to work for her at the Science Center! We talked for about 30 minutes and scheduled an interview for the following week. Over the next few days, I asked God to guide my decision. My list of pros and cons was short. The pros for working at the Science Center included more creative freedom and a larger salary for me. But the cons were having a long commute to work through downtown traffic and resigning to the fact that this new opportunity would negatively impact my retirement plans. However, staying in the school district with my current job at that time would mean pros like having a short commute in the suburbs and remaining part of the Arizona State Retirement System which would positively impact my benefits over time. The only con about staying where I was meant receiving a smaller salary.

In the decision process I talked with my husband and several close friends. It was such a delightful and unexpected offer. Edie’s love of STEM was contagious! It would be fabulous to work with her. However, after much prayer and contemplation, I decided to stay with the school district. The decision was respected by the Science Center and came with an open invitation to change my mind.

Then this happened: Two weeks later, I received the school district’s monthly email announcing that Edie Williams was going to be the new Assistant Superintendent for my school district. Are you kidding me? Working with Edie was what drew me to the Science Center. I immediately thanked the Lord for protecting my heart and guiding my steps.

Perhaps you feel like you’re riding on the struggle bus and the rest stops are few. After a while, weariness sets in, and it becomes more difficult to persevere. But God equips you for the trials you will face. In Exodus 14:14, God promises to fight for you. And in Isaiah 40:31, He assures you that He will renew your strength. Remember His faithfulness, trust Him, and He will give rest to your soul.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, we come to you with grateful hearts today. Help us to be aware of your presence and hear the words of wisdom You speak to our hearts and minds. Keep our eyes focused on you. When we are weary, you give rest to our souls. Praise be to God! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “He Will Hold Me Fast” by Shane and Shane. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Life and Leadership Counsel from a Chaplain

Counsel About Life and Leadership
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” – 2 Samuel 23:1-3 (KJV)

The story of David is instructive about life and leadership. From the story in 1 Samuel 16 about how David was selected and anointed to be King of Israel we can see what he was not. He was not the eldest, nor was he favored by his father among his brothers. In fact, because he was the youngest and was tending sheep in the field, he was not even called in to the assembly meeting with the prophet.

When Samuel saw the first born, Eliab, he thought to himself “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” But God said no. Why? Because “…man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV). After looking at all of Jesse’s boys, Samuel said, “Is this all you have?” As if to forestall the prophet, Jesse said there is one more, but he is tending the sheep.

As important as sheep were in the agriculture economy of that era, being a shepherd was not a vaunted role. It was a lonely, solitary and wandering job. The shepherds smelled like the sheep.

Nevertheless, David was summoned. Perhaps he had time to hastily bathe and freshen up before coming into the presence of the prophet. Maybe not. If not, can you see the brothers, whom God had not embraced grimace a bit at his odiferous and dirty presence when he came into the tent.

It does not appear that Samuel was offended by the affect of the shepherd boy. Rather, it is recorded that David’s appearance was tanned, he had beautiful eyes and was handsome. According to 1 Samuel 16:12 (ESV), “And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him for this is he.” Samuel ratified David as God’s choice to succeed Saul.

Perhaps David could be characterized as a young man with some bravado. After all, he had killed a lion and a bear, in his youth. We know that the young shepherd, David who became the King, also became a man of rapacious passion. He killed many men and loved many women. Yet, through it all he was chosen by God to be a leader because he had some positive character traits.

In 2 Samuel 9 is the story of the reflective King. After conquering the enemies at the borders and establishing protective garrisons throughout the kingdom, David, now the King, demonstrates the depth and breadth of his character. He asked, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Johnathan’s sake?”

He found Mephibosheth, Johnathan’s crippled son. In spite of his pre-existing condition and inability to work, David honored Mephibosheth’s humanity and promised him security, healthcare and reasonable subsistence for the rest of his life. Hmmm.

Though brutal in combat, his core values for life were kindness, loyalty, grace and generosity. These were the characteristics that made him “a man after God’s own heart” and endeared the nation to him, despite his flaws.

At the end of his life, the king who still enjoyed the company of young women summed up the essence of life and leadership. As happens with most people, knowledge is taught and wisdom is gained experientially through trial and error. David codifies his wisdom in 14 prescient and timeless words: “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:3, KJV).

The English Standard Version (ESV) says it in more cogent and contemporary language. “When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth…”

As we watch and study leaders and those aspiring to leadership, apply this singular principle. Evaluate the politicians by their characters rather than their gravitas. Look behind the policies, charisma and debating skills. Look for character. Does it align with God’s character and revealed will?

People and nations who ally themselves with righteous leaders prosper.

Take my advice: Seize your responsibility as a citizen and chose leaders who are just and stand right before God.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.