Dear Lizzie Mae,

"My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight, they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck." -- Proverbs 3:21-22

Can you trust your judgment? Do you feel insecure in your decisions? Are you afraid of the consequences of your choices? Do you always seek the advice of others before you make a major decision?

Well, I think you will like to hear this: While there is usually wisdom in a multitude of counselors, the bottom line is that only you are responsible for the decisions you make.

Advice is really easy to give if you do not have to be responsible for the consequences. There is nothing wrong with seeking good advice, mind you. There is much to be said for it. But in the final score, you must take responsibility for the outcome of your decisions.

Now would you rather trust someone else for a decision for which you alone will be responsible, or would you prefer to trust your own judgment? Some of us don't feel too good about doing this. Some of us may feel that there is something almost wrong with it. Yet Paul is clear in his assertion that we are in partnership with the Holy Spirit as we try to work out the decisions of our life!

We can trust our judgment. Why? Because it is being influenced by the God who threw the galaxies and planets into space.

The God who lives in you.

-- PDM