How to Be Stable in Ever-changing Winds
By Rick Warren
“But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” James 1:6-8 (NLT)
Have you ever made a tough choice, but then the moment you made the decision, you started doubting yourself? You agonized over it. You kept asking yourself if you did the right thing.
The Bible says when you do this you’re like a wave pushed around in a storm. You have so many doubts, and you get tossed about because you’re depending on your wisdom, not God’s.
This is why God wants you to ask him for guidance before you make a decision, and then trust him and his goodness once the decision is made.
When you do, he sets you free from second-guessing yourself.
Here’s the good news: Even if the winds keep changing and the future looks uncertain, you don’t have to be blown to and fro. Put your faith in God and God alone.
Otherwise, James says your loyalty will be divided between God and the world. In some translations of James 1:8, this divided loyalty is rendered as “double-minded.” This comes from a Greek word that means two-souled. It’s about being pulled in opposite directions. It’s about being indecisive, wavering back and forth.
James says you shouldn’t expect God to give you his wisdom if you’re constantly second-guessing yourself.
Double-mindedness creates an unstable spiritual life. It blocks your prayers and keeps you from receiving God’s wisdom.
God wants to give you wisdom! When you unequivocally trust God in uncertain times—in all times—he will give you everything you need to make wise decisions.
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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