I Don't Know What to Do

Over the last few years, I have found myself increasingly encountering situations where I don’t know what to do. Sometimes it’s because of my own lack of experience. Sometimes it’s because of fear. Sometimes it’s because I’m not sure how to put into practice what I know the Bible says about the subject. So, I thought I’d write about it today.

I’m sure you’ve found yourself in those kinds of situations. No doubt, it can be really hard to navigate that stuff. I think of things like COVID (which is fast becoming a 5-letter curse word in my vocabulary), political fiascos in Washington, DC, failing marriages, crushing financial debts, workplace decisions…. you get the drift. What do we do when we don’t know what to do?

Earlier this week I read Psalm 121 in my quiet time with the Lord. I’ve reread it several times and have not yet moved away from it. I’m trying to let it soak into my spirit. I just feel constrained from moving “forward.” It’s as if the Lord is trying to impress some things on me, and I haven’t yet understood them or seen them. But there is at least one thing from that psalm that I have seen, and it pertains specifically to this very issue.

The psalmist said he’d “looked to the mountains” for help. He’d been searching for answers and had looked to that which was most obvious in its strength, nobility, and splendor, and still didn’t find the help he was looking for. Then, he realized, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (v. 2) That’s where I found encouragement for my own soul. In spite of all of the things I don’t know, and in spite of my own lack of knowledge and experience, I will find help when I look to the Lord. And so will all who put their trust in Him.

While my situations may change, the Lord never does. While my health may change, the Lord never does. While our political leaders may change, the Lord never does. While my character may shift and morph, the Lord’s never does. I think of the movie, What About Bob. In the movie, Bill Murray portrays Bob Wiley, a mentally paralyzed, multi-phobic personality (afraid of almost everything). Richard Dreyfuss plays the role of a renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Leo Marvin. In their first meeting together, Wiley discovers that Dr. Marvin may be able to help him. He says, “Dr. Marvin.... you can help me.” That’s the same picture I get of the psalmist as he contemplates where to go for help. It’s like an “aha moment” when we realize that God can help us. He knows what to do.

Where are you looking for help? In those situations where you are desperate for direction, clarity, and insight, where are you looking for answers? If we’re starting anywhere besides with the Lord, we need to reorient ourselves. God is willing to help those who will humble themselves and look to Him (James 4:6-8; 1 Peter 5:5-7).