“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14).
I had once presented a spiritual message concerning God and human decision-making several years ago at a women’s shelter. When I had finished the message, one woman stood up and said she had heard that people make 35,000 decisions a day. Her assertion was impressive, and I was excited that someone had listened to the message.
Although I was pleased with her statement, several weeks later, I decided to search the Internet for verification. The first search confirmed that a market analyst had mentioned people make 35,000 decisions per day. I accepted that confirmation for a while, until I thought about decision-making again, then I did another Internet search. The second Internet source was from a professor at an online school, who also claimed that adults make 35,000 decisions in a day. In addition, the professor mentioned the information he presented was obtained from various websites. So, I searched again, and the third Internet website informed that 35,000 decisions a day is rubbish.
As I contemplated the third Internet response, I began to consider whether I had ever made 35,000 decisions in a day. If it is true, then every motion and step made, such as deciding to fold the arms or get a glass of water would be included in the amount of decision making. Despite that, I do not think I have been close to that amount even when I worked in an office for several managers and performed numerous different tasks within one day. The amount of decisions I made from the time I arose from sleep to prepared for work, traveled to work, performed multiple responsibilities on the job, traveled home, prepared dinner and completed other household tasks, and then prepared for sleep, does not appear to be 35,000 decisions a day.
“A wise man will hear and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5).
The thought of decision-making was a reminder of the various decisions I made in the past. While some were good, many were bad. As I dwelt on my bad decisions, God placed on my heart that good decisions are made through wise counsels.
“Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength” (Proverbs 8:14).
God’s Word provides wise counsels, and He is a wise decision-making God, which is indicated throughout the Bible. Through His decision making, He created humans to also be decision-making people. When God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, He gave Adam wise instruction regarding how to maintain the garden, and Adam made the decision to follow the instruction and perform the necessary actions for his survival (Genesis 2:15-16). Adam’s decision-making abilities were also displayed when he received instruction to name all the animals created by God. Therefore, making decisions are significant in human life, and wise counsels benefit good decision-making from the time people wake up until they decide to go to sleep.
“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end” (Proverbs 19:20).
While reflecting on God’s wise counsels, I thought about the enthusiasm expressed at the end of 2019 for clear vision into the coming new year of 2020. However, the perplexing events of 2020 has demanded much wise decision making for numerous situations throughout the nation, including an important decision for the presidential election. This year has certainly presented ‘the valley of decision’ in multitudes and multitudes, but the LORD God is near, and He will make the final decision (Joel 3:20-21).
Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10).
Originally created November 25, 2020, by Edna Robinson as a blog on HBH website.
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