DO NOT DECIDE FROM A MOMENT
Key Text: “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” Proverbs 14:29 KJV
One of the easiest ways to make a wrong decision is to make a permanent decision from a temporary emotion. When you are angry, everything looks offensive. When you are afraid, everything looks dangerous. When you are excited, almost everything looks perfect. That is why wisdom sometimes sounds like, “Calm down first.” You do not need to reply to every message immediately, make every decision immediately, or announce every feeling immediately. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is sleep on it.
Think about David. Nabal insulted him, and David became so angry that he was ready to destroy Nabal and everyone connected to him. David had the power to act, the reason to feel offended, and enough anger to justify himself in his own mind. But Abigail intervened and helped him see beyond the emotion of the moment. David eventually recognised that acting in anger would have created a much bigger problem. A decision can feel justified and still be unwise. Feeling strongly about something does not automatically make your conclusion correct.
This does not mean emotions are bad. God created us with emotions, and they can provide important information. The problem begins when emotion becomes the driver instead of an indicator. Anger may tell you that something needs attention, but it should not necessarily tell you what to do. Fear may tell you that something matters, but it should not automatically tell you to run. Excitement may tell you that an opportunity is attractive, but it should not sign the contract for you. Feel it, acknowledge it, pray about it, examine it, then decide. Wisdom gives your emotions a seat at the table, but it does not give them the chairmanship.
Prayer and Confession
I declare that I am not ruled by anger, fear, excitement, pressure, or disappointment. I have a sound mind and a disciplined heart. I respond with wisdom, and my decisions are guided by truth rather than temporary emotions. Amen.
Reflection
Is there any decision you are currently making because of how you feel right now that you should reconsider when your emotions settle?
Further Reading: 1 Samuel 25:2-35, Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 16:32, James 1:19-20, 2 Timothy 1:7
