Sometimes, if we are honest, we just want to complain. We want a listening ear and someone to sympathize with us. What we really want is someone else to solve our problem for us. That is often the case when people come for counseling. Without the client being fully on board, taking ownership of what they are responsible for and doing their work, things will not change. Problems will not go away simply by talking about them. Expressing issues and concerns aloud to someone is a place to start. But then what? We must ask ourselves important questions like: how did I get to the place I am in right now, and what am I going to do about it? It is important to speak or journal how we are feeling and what we have learned. What are the “take aways?” Don’t waste the pain. Learn the lessons and what you can do differently next time. Start with a basic action plan: Stop, Think, Pray, and Act.
STOP: This is a temporary stop as opposed to a stall tactic. The opposite would be to jump to a quick fix that might make things worse. Stop activity for a brief time. Resist jumping to multiple haphazard efforts. Stop and take three deep breaths. Take time to THINK and PRAY about the situation. Take time to sleep on it. Table the problem until the next day. Be intentional about giving the problem to Jesus and ask for His wisdom and the gift of restful sleep. Claim these promises from God’s Word:
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting” James 1:5-6a (NASB).
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety” Psalm 4:8 (NASB).
ACT: Put together an ACTION PLAN for yourself or ask someone to help you. Start with writing down what you want to achieve or solve and some ideas of how to proceed.
- Set aside a specific time to plan.
- Write down your plan and review it daily.
- Be open to helpful input and be willing to reject input that is not helpful or is overwhelmingly.
- Stop and pray as needed and ask the Lord for His will and leading.
- Be mindful of open doors and closed doors.
- Be willing to change your plan when God closes a door.
- Get started!
My Mother, Elsie D. Moore, was a pray-er, a planner and a doer. In honor of her on Mother’s Day, I dedicate this article to her. She always had a plan and often multiple plans at the same time. She would say, “Plan your work and then work your plan.” And “A job begun is a job half done.” So simple! Life was certainly not simple for her, but she seemed to always know what to do and how to help anyone who needed help. She was always there for her family and others. She is safely at home with Jesus now planning and doing all she can for His Glory.
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” Proverbs 31:30 (NASB). Thank you, Mom. I love you and miss you.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to you, Mom, and to all godly mothers. Thank you for all you do and have done for His glory. Great is your heavenly reward.
Elsie