“As surprising as it sounds, how we choose is almost as important as what we choose.
Most of our choosing comes as a response to superficial desires or as an act of willpower and resolve. Neither is helpful in choosing to open ourselves to the Divine.
Choosing God is choosing life just as all true choosing of life reflects choosing God.
But neither life nor God can genuinely be embraced by willfulness and determination. They can only be received in openness and willingness.”
Dr. David G. Benner
When I read this quote the other day, I knew I had to copy it into my journal. How we choose is almost as important as what we choose- words that convicted my heart.
Too often my decisions arise from my emotional reactions to a need or want. I revert back to my default mode – what is easiest, most comfortable and many times, just plain out of habit.
I know I make decisions from a place of stress, fatigue, hunger, wanting to be accepted. Then I conclude something is wrong with me that I can’t change the “how,” even though I know the Who is more important. The urgent immediate gratification controls me more often than the wait and chose better option.
Then I get angry with myself for the result of the decision. I chose to eat a second helping or indulge into chocolate cookies (note the plural of cookies). I speak up when I should have kept my mouth shut. Or say “yes” to another demand on my time instead of praying first and asking God to help me decide. Then I kick the scale, my calendar, and my self-confidence the next morning, lamenting I will never change.
I am slowly, v.e.r.y slowly, learning to pay attention with discernment at all levels of my life. To wait. To listen. To ask for help from God. From others.
That is the “how” in choosing. Not to rush into more to do’s and to fill up with so much food and stuff, I don’t have the space for God. I am starting to rest my palms downward as an act of emptying before the King in joyful surrender. I wait in openness – at least some of the time.
I know many of us battle with the ever-present “control” issue. Our egos make it so difficult to fully surrender to God’s will. Even when we genuinely want to be open and obedient, the lure of asserting our own will drives our choosing.
Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence.
Ecc. 8:3
This verse lately also resonates in my heart. It reminds me to stay kneeling before our Lord listening, not rushing into my decision making based on the how’s of ego, ease and emotion.
Edwina Gately says it best:
We are so hungry!
There is such a deep unmet longing in us
That we are driven to erratic and anxious enrollments
In seminars, retreats, and workshops
On myriad themes of spirituality, healing, wholeness
And even miracle making!
Millions of us are searching for a spiritual jumpstart
Or an instant divine fix.
But our journey begins in spiritual infancy
And unfolds and grows
Through our everyday life experiences,
It is all right to be hungry.
It is alright to want more.
But it is God who feeds the waiting heart.
We must be empty vessels,
Not afraid of the very emptiness.
We must wait-
Ever gentle with ourselves-
Until God scoops us up and comforts us.
Let’s discuss these quotes and the issues of how we decide impacts our discernment. I would love to hear from you!
Tremendous post. Spoke so timely and deeply to me. Much of my choices recently have been the kind that require white knuckle determination to do what is right. Yet, over andnover again the Lord sends word to trust my heart. I am not in both aces ( head and heart) right now, and they are inna war against each other. Perhaps i need to just open my hands and quit doing altogether. Make my one decision God take the wheel, and quit trying so hard.
This quote really got to me and gave me a new insight to the value of how I choose, not just what I choose. I certainly am right with you in discernment matters. The quite trying so hard really resonated with me. God loves both of us and will guide us where we best need to go. Just trust – easier said than done, right?
Um, I’ve already had two cookies today, so I’m starting from a place of guilt. ha.
But I need this post today, Jean. I’m trying to make a decision about a mission trip (or not) in the fall, and I need to pay close attention to what God may be saying about it. Palms up. Thanks, friend!
Lisa, both a book lover and cookie lover – I KNEW I liked you. lol.
Will lift you up in prayer for clear discernment about the mission trip. Keep me posted.
Jean,
Amen…it can only be “received”…it reminds me to be humble before God as He is the source of all good things and all that my soul truly needs… I can understand, unfortunately, how often I can let other things push me into a choice and when I do, I am filled with regret….Thank you, Jean, for this…Thankful of course, we can always turn to God even in the midst of our mistakes and ask Him for guidance next…
Lifelong lessons, Dolly. and yes lets me filled and express our gratitude that God understands and accepts us. Amen!
I,too, am learning to talk to God first…it takes a long time doesn’t it for some of us to catch on to God’s plan? 🙂 I keep thinking about the last line…until God scoops us up…what a lovely, comforting picture. Thanks for sharing
Takes a lifetime, doesn’t it Clella? That line about God scooping us up was a favorite of mine.
Oh, how our egos can get in the way if we let them! For God to enter in, we must first empty ourselves, something easier said than done, but worth every moment to achieve. Beautiful and thoughtful post, Jean! Blessings!
Yes we first must empty ourselves. You are so right. Step out of the way, ego and leave space for God, must easier said than done. Thanks Martha