Simplicity of the Spirit

Last night after mass, I made a new friend on the stairs in front of the church. It was the best kind of new friend – a friend introduced by another good friend! We fell deep into conversation, which continued even after our mutual friend had left, and quickly got to the heart of the matter. “I’m trying to figure something out that’s been weighing heavily on me, and I don’t know why,” I explained to her (keep in mind, this was barely 3 minutes after we met). She looked at me thoughtfully, tilted her head, and responded, “Just follow the Spirit.”

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Four simple words brought much-needed clarity to this situation I’ve been turning over in my mind and heart for almost six months. Just follow the Spirit. Of course! If you’re feeling deja vu, that’s because I wrote about this two weeks ago in the newsletter on “Where the air is fresher and cleaner.” But even after surrendering this (at least once a day), I’m STILL wrestling with the decision!

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I think a big reason that some decisions feel heavier than others is not because either option is bad; if that were the case, then the decision would be clear! No, I think I agonize over some decisions because I am so afraid of choosing the wrong thing and missing out on God’s Will.

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The truth is that I want to live in God’s Will. I know that He loves me, and that He knows me better than I know myself. I want to be obedient and follow Him. But sometimes, that desire for a “perfect decision” paralyzes me. Instead of walking in joyful confidence, my feet are nailed to the ground. And that’s just where the Enemy wants me – afraid, stressed, restless, and discouraged.

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2 Timothy 1:7 tells us “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Whenever I’m anxious or agitated, I know that it’s not from God. Our Good Father is always inviting us to walk forward in faith, and He’s faithful to show us the next step (even if sometimes it’s only the one next step.) But I know that analysis paralysis is not from Him.

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The reality is this: I am not powerful enough to mess up God’s Will (and neither are you!). When I freak out over a decision (big or small), it’s ultimately because I’ve forgotten that God is so much bigger than my circumstances and that He can bring about His Will no matter what I choose. Even if I make a colossal mistake, He is faithful. As long as I’m walking in the desire to do His Will, He will respond, guide, strengthen, redirect, and love me all the way home.

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So what does it mean to “just follow the Spirit”? Here are three of my thoughts:

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1. Follow the peace. If you’re turning over two decisions in your mind, ask which one brings more peace. Another way to think about this: which one are you more excited about? Not which one should you be more excited about, but which one really, truly makes your heart leap.

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2. Take the first step. Action is the antidote to anxiety. That doesn’t mean getting hyperactive, but instead taking a baby step in the direction you think might be the right one, and then paying attention. Is there fruit here? Are doors opening? I love the analogy of using a GPS – when we take a wrong turn, it will re-route us. God is like a heavenly GPS, but He can’t drive a parked car. Once I start moving forward, the next steps often become clearer.

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3. Remember His faithfulness. I often feel like a little Israelite, forgetting that God has led me out of Egypt time and time again, but still grasping at my own little idols and plans and ideas. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed by a decision, I try to look back on all the gifts He has given me and times He has shown up for me before. When I live like I believe He is faithful, He shows up, and He’s always working, there is a peace and joy present in my heart and life that surpasses understanding. Rooting myself in the truth helps me make more prudent and peaceful decisions.

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This week’s podcast episode is all about making hard decisions. I’m sharing five things I’ve learned about making decisions in my life (lessons I keep on learning…) and hopefully the stories I share provide a little extra color for you!

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What about you? How do you make hard decisions? Reply to this email and let me know!

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In Christ,

Jane

Ep. 102 | Making Hard Decisions

One of the marks of adulthood is having to make decisions – and often, they’re hard ones! So much of the stress behind making these decisions is the fear that we’re going to make the wrong choice – but what if we didn’t have to worry about that? In this episode, I’m sharing five lessons I’ve learned about making hard decisions (some of them right, some of them wrong) and what God has taught me about His providence and love. Tune in here on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

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​Hallow’s Series on the Gospel of John​

I am absolutely LOVING this series on the Gospel of John. It’s one chapter a day, read by Jonathan Roumie with reflections from Jeff Cavins. It’s been so good!! I’m quite a few days behind but working through it slowly but surely 🙂

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​Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe

It’s probably the fifth time I’ve read this book in 18 months, but that’s because it is SO good. The idea of freedom is so central to our faith, and this book breaks open that truth in a way that draws me deeper every time I re-read it.

Prayer requests

• For my brother Matthew, who graduated this weekend!
• For the readers of this newsletter!
• For a special intention