Do you ever find yourself in a state of confusion? That condition can cause frustration, indecision, discouragement, disappointment. It can cause you to question decisions you’ve made or need to make. You might ask yourself, did I somehow miss God & His direction on this? Did I misunderstand my ministry & the role I play in that?
When we find ourselves in such situations, it’s likely to create an opening for Satan to rush in with incriminations. He loves to come to us at such times of “weakness” to tell us how inept & expendable we are – as well as many other things. Confusion can certainly be one of his best weapons against us. (Consider how shrewd & cunning he was so that he could use confusion to deceive Eve.)
I’ve personally been dealing with these thoughts and emotions in my life recently. I haven’t been able to shut it down & just continue to hear those whispers about how I am lacking. I thought I was following God’s direction so why do I have these doubts? Why the confusion?
I’ve had difficulty trying to determine how to deal with it. So I decided to do a bit of research on the topic. These are some things I found that are excellent scriptural reminders that should help to put the confusion aside for me as I meditate on them:
“God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33 ERV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 GNT)
“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” (Psalm 119:105 ERV)
“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.” (James 1:5 TLB)
One commentary I read mentioned several very negative things – personal things – that can cause feelings of confusion to arise. I can’t even bring myself to list them here, because honestly – I fear that some of them could be at issue here with me; and, if that’s the case it would be humiliating at this point in my Christian walk. (Although confession is supposed to be good for the soul, I think I’ll save my confessions for God instead of man as I seek His guidance with this issue.)
I do however sense that for one thing, He may be using these circumstances to work on my character. That realization really struck home when I read this statement: “Much confusion in the Christian life comes from ignoring the simple truth that God is far more interested in building your character than he is anything else.” Rick Warren
OUCH!! (That certainly did spark something in my spirit.)
In accordance with the scripture passages I listed above, I declare the following:
Lord, I want and need Your peace in this situation.
Lord, please clear my mind of the confusion & show me how to handle the situation in the right way – Your way.
Lord, help me to lean into Your Word for the peace I need in this situation so that I can see Your light shining on the correct path.
Lord, I do ask for Your wisdom & guidance.
I also declare that if my character needs strengthening, or a new direction, or correction, then Lord, please complete Your work in me.
You know, I don’t think I’m unique finding myself in such a quandary. I believe when it happens to us we need to pray, seek God’s wisdom, keep our faith & hope as strong as possible; and, if necessary, seek counsel. There are so many other Bible verses I could’ve shared but I need to control the urge to ramble; however, I do feel the need to share one more: “I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 ERV) If we’re filled with hope, joy & peace then there shouldn’t be any room left for confusion.
So if you are now, or find yourself later in a state of confusion, I pray the small bit of insight I have shared here trying to help myself will help you also.
Written by Karran Martin – December 10, 2024
[All bold emphasis is mine]
Karran's Korner 