The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions

by Emily P. Freeman

As people who put their trust in Jesus, sometimes we don’t know what to say when we see someone going through an impossible time. Instead of giving them space to name their own narratives, we rush them into a narrative that makes us feel more comfortable. It can be easy to refuse to let people grieve the way they need to grieve by naming their circumstance for them, saying phrases like, “God is in control” or “Consider it all joy!” or “God works all things together for good.”

can’t prevent storms from coming, but we can decide not to invent our own.

Daily Examen, which is a simple technique of prayerful reflection you can engage in at the end of every day. This is an ancient practice of looking back to discern God’s movement in your life that day and prayerfully paying attention to how he might be directing you. This is one of my favorite spiritual practices, and the Life Energy List is even easier to engage in when I am in the practice of reflecting daily. For now, choose a category and a time frame, and make your own Life Energy List.

When I start looking for help before I’ve established a clear vision, it leads to me feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and emotionally whiplashed. If I don’t have a vision, purpose, or intention, then how do I know which steps are right for me to take?

You could also instruct the group to simply ask you questions rather than give you advice.

Will you get paid for this? Are the expectations clear? Would you actually enjoy it? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do? Does it involve a meaningful partnership?

The critic only lives if we let her live.