Rules provide clarity, guiding us in the right direction. When God gave us the Ten Commandments, I often wish He’d added an addendum: ‘Avoid unwise decisions.’ Of course, what defines an ‘unwise decision’ is subjective. Most of us regret mistakes, big or small. Even the smallest errors can haunt us. We try our best, but sometimes, a wrong turn, an inconsiderate remark, or an overlooked detail leaves us wishing we could go back and redo it all. So, how do we navigate poor decisions?
Proverbs
The proverb, “Confession is good for the soul,” is true. A key step in navigating poor decisions is sharing them with someone. We often turn to friends to spill our story, and just talking about it helps us feel better. The conversation usually leads to a response that validates us, reminding us that we’re only human. Yes, confession is good for what ails you.
A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. Proverbs 28:13 NLT
Learning Through Our Mistakes
Through our mistakes, we learn important lessons. Often, we vow to never repeat them. While confessing to our friends, counselors, or ministers is helpful, we will continue to struggle until we bring everything before our Creator. Unfortunately, our minds replay the negative far more easily than the positive, and we have trouble giving ourselves grace. To deal with the guilt of poor decisions, we need to continue our quest for a peaceful mind.
But if we confess our sins to him,[a] he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins. I John 1:9 NLT
Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19 NLT
How can we truly navigate our poor decisions?
Our minds will heal when we accept God’s grace and mercy.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. II Corinthians 12:9 NIV
The faithful love of the Lord never ends![a]
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
Even if you didn’t turn your new blender on with a spoon in it, you’re probably beating yourself up over something, big or small. Remember, God is the way to navigate your poor decisions.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Dear God,
Please help me avoid making foolish choices! And when I do make poor decisions, please help me resist surrendering to guilt. Thank You for Your gifts of grace and mercy.
Did you turn your blender on with a spoon in it? The results are probably similar to my mother microwaving something that was metallic.
Glad that God forgives and provides both mercy & grace.
I’m afraid I did leave a spoon in the blender! Yes, without grace what would we do?
Thanks for commenting.
Terri Kelly
YESSS! I am so grateful for God’s grace and mercy. Confession truly is good for the soul.
Guilt convicts but shame condemns. But before I recognized shame as a tool of the enemy, it made me hide from God and others. Now I run to the cross and thank Him for the mercy and grace of a fresh start.