Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today, Sharee Gaiser shares her thoughts on how loving God with all your soul can help you make good decisions.

Our scripture is from Mark 12:30 (NIV): “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

My stomach squirmed when I heard the call for volunteers. I saw others looking out the window and checking their phones, all avoiding eye contact with the woman at the front of the room. I was capable of doing all she asked. However, I knew I didn’t have the time, and others would suffer if I said yes. A gnawing feeling swept over me, and I found it hard to resist. “I’ll do it,” I said.

On a treadmill running a marathon, I was out to prove I was good, capable, and valuable. Yet, I often found myself empty. Exhausted by the weight of over-responsibility, my soul lacked joy, peace, and true satisfaction, the kind only found in a relationship with God.

Friend, I have learned an important lesson through the struggle of needing to do it all to feel good about myself. While I might have the experience, skills, and know-how, I don’t always have to say “Yes”. If I react to the unmet need in my soul to be good enough, I may be stepping outside of God’s good and perfect will and miss His mission for me.

Just because I could doesn’t mean I should.

King David knew well the challenge of making decisions without consulting God. In his zeal, David ran headlong into trouble in his relationship with Bathsheba and when returning the Ark of the Covenant to Israel.

In Psalm 32, David identifies the forgiveness he has received and now welcomes holy guidance from God. He speaks of God’s heart and promises to lovingly instruct, teach, and guide His people in the way that they should go:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8 NIV).

So, what do you do when asked to do something or an opportunity arises? Will God give direction in these times and show you the way to go?

God longs for you to make good decisions and stay in His will. Seek Him first when guidance is needed. Take time to patiently pause, pray, and pursue His direction instead of rushing to say yes to it all. A load will lift from your shoulders as God helps you discern if you should, even if you could. He has good plans for those He loves. Like a parent watching a child, God’s eye is always on His children and will lead us where we should go.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com/