What to Do When You Are Confused
By: Alisha Headley
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. - James 3:16-17
This Scripture speaks to me as I’ve been wrestling with some confusion. When I’m confused, everything feels unsettled and at times anxious. I know our God is a God of peace, so I began seeking out Scripture regarding my unsettled confusion.
Have you ever felt confused? Confused about a decision, confused about a guy you’re dating, confused about your purpose? Today’s Scripture may not eliminate all confusion, but let’s take a minute to break it down. When we do, we’ll begin to see where this confusion may be coming from. Because perhaps we are the ones causing unnecessary confusion in our lives and are unaware of it.
Wisdom is mentioned all throughout the Bible. There are many ways we can gain wisdom through knowledge and seeking God but simply put, James instructs us saying “if any of your lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” (James 1:15)
Here is yet another gift God has given so freely to us. Thank you, Lord!
Looking at today’s Scripture, James points out that earthly wisdom differs from heavenly wisdom. Godly wisdom is productive; earthly wisdom confuses. So, ask yourself, where are you gaining your wisdom from? God or the world. This right here will determine your confusion: the source of your wisdom.
Because friends, if your heart is aligned with God’s heart, and your daily striving is to align with His will, there will be no confusion. By analyzing the source of your wisdom, you can help yourself discern whether or not your confusion is from above or from the world. It’s important you allow wisdom to originate in the heart and mind of God. Any other wisdom is from the world.
As women, sometimes it’s hard for us to not pick up the phone and call a friend or even our parents for advice. Or we head to the internet and search for advice from others’ findings.
What if we began to go to the throne of God when we need advice and wisdom rather than go to our phone or computer for the advice of the world?
I’m certainly not saying to never confide in friends and family or even your pastor as sometimes you need to rely on others’ faith. Rather, I’m encouraging you to take inventory of the SOURCE you turn to for your wisdom. Even if the source you turn to is a believer and loves the Lord. John tells us that we are to “not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out in the world”. (1 John 4:1)
Everything you read, every piece of advice or nugget of wisdom you are given, make sure to filter through the Word of God, so there is never any confusion by checking the source of your wisdom. For remember – God’s is given to us freely and it's full of peace where no confusion exists.
Alisha Headley is a writer and speaker who has a desire to meet the everyday woman in her everyday life with biblical truth. Healing from a chapter of life consumed with lies she once believed about herself, she is inspired to point women to Christ to experience the freedom and power to overcome those lies with the truth written in God’s word. You can follow her blog by visiting her website or connect with her on facebook + instagram.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Wednesday, 12 October 2022.
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