Better decisions often come from better opportunities. The better your options, the better directions you may go. Right?
It’s possible to make excellent decisions in moments of crisis when there’s no clarity of direction. Luck?
There’s a scene in a movie based on an excellent book I read roughly forty years ago: “The Hunt For Red October.” The crisis is mounting. The captain (Sean Connery) is making calculations in his mind, all the while the next level of leaders in the submarine are calling out for decisions. Do this. Do that. The distraction must be huge! But he’s calculating the next steps while the crew worries about failure. In the end, success.
Imagine the math calculations that must occur based on speed, directions, currents, and temperatures while being pursued by a predator making its own decisions. You are not using lightning-fast computer logic boards. You are depending on your mind. Training. Decision trees are planned in advance.
Add to that the fear of your crew. Their reactions are crucial to the story. They are trying to distract you from your important decision-making process.
The moment is tense and electrifies the story. Fear strikes at the heart of the moment.
Can you make the right decision?
- Driving down the road, you hit an icy patch. Suddenly, your car is spinning. Quickly! How do you react?
- A pop quiz is called for, and you hit a moment of panic. Are you prepared for the moment?
- Someone asks you a question in the spotlight of the moment you freeze. Can you give an adequate answer?
- You are standing at the crossroads of options. Left. Right. Straight. Or turn around. How quickly can you respond?
- You are letting a self-driving car steer you through curves and obstacles. You see something the sensors are not correctly interrupting. Do you know how to take over from the computer?
I suspect most of us will do well until we feel the pressure to perform at our best. Pressure? Sure. The clamor for action is loud, the press of the crowd is real, and you feel trapped, smothered, and overwhelmed.
You need clarity. Decisions are difficult. Quickly, what do you do next?
Will you make the correct decision? Can you give the correct answer? Or will you stammer through the moment and present a “new” picture of you?
A Bible answer came to me; I know this has been my correct action for a long time. King David is dealing with a rebellious son trying to take over the kingdom. Absalom. It’s a deep story and would take thousands of words to tell the whole, but imagine the moment. Absalom is rebelling. King David is aging and needs an answer.
I’ve watched old people for the better part of my life. Sorry. I’m getting old, and having watched those older than me, I feel I’m in a unique position of observing and providing insight. Okay?
I can imagine the King. Wringing his hands, seeking answers from his advisors, he finally, it seems, turns to God.
This is where I find my mind going when I feel overwhelmed by the moment. I learned this while I was young, but I depend on it more as I age. When the questions are many, and the mind is racing to make good decisions, I finally turn to the Lord in prayer. This is where my space is. It’s where Quiet Decisions are made.
To the Chief Musician. On A Stringed Instrument. A Psalm of David.
Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.
Selah
(Psalms 61:1-4 NKJV)
Imagine playing his instrument as he once did for King Saul. The music calms the mind and spirit. As he plucks and strums, he unloads his moment onto God’s shoulders. It’s an action of his own. He shifts the burden to God. “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I…” If we understand his analogy, it probably means we’ve walked the same path before.
Hear my cry, O God… Listen to my prayer.
When I reach the bottom, I will cry to You.
Lead me higher from the quagmire…
To that strong rock by your side.
Shelter me.
Give me a strong defense against the enemy.
I will stay in your house forever.
I will trust in your shelter.
Think about it.
In my final analysis, I see a man who has made thousands of decisions. When the times are tough, he goes to God. When it’s emotional, he suspends his logic and makes rash decisions. Hence, Bathsheba and murder!
But we hear another psalm that may be after the issues of Absalom are resolved.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.
Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust,
And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
(Psalms 40:1-4 NKJV)
We are like this on too many fronts. We are gripped by our emotions, and from that point, we make many bad decisions. But if we quiet our minds, we will make better choices. Even then, we need to quell the emotions that produce emotional responses. It’s how my mind works—logic. Emotions must be controlled. We must find that quiet place to make the best decision.
When we go to God, ask, listen, and obey, we make the right decision. Don’t forget to thank the Lord, yes, even publicly. It will benefit your future to remember where your help came from.
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