Right?

So what defines right anyway? I mean, in most situations that we face in this life there are many different approaches we could take, many various decisions we could make, and several potential outcomes that could be realized. And sure, there are some societal expectations for what is acceptable or good, or conversely unacceptable or frowned upon. But when you really think about it, who defines what is the "right" answer in any situation? Who gets to choose which road is the best one, which outcome is the correct one. And is there really a "correct" answer to most of what we face in life? I'm starting to realize as I get deeper into this life God gave me, that we don't get to decide for anyone but ourselves. I mean, really: who knows the intricate details of any given situation as well as the person(s) involved? Who knows the past influences that each party is affected by, who knows the current challenges that each one faces, who knows the future hopes, dreams, fears that rest on a decision except the one(s) making it. So we can look from the outside of someone else's choice, and we can label it "wrong" or "bad" or any other adjective (including "right" or "smart") all we want. But do we have the authority to judge anyone else? You see, I am learning more personally that the right to judge really doesn't exist here on this earth. God is the one who is in control. He is the only one who knows the plans He has for us, and how they will come to be. He is the one who gave us the free will to make choices, and He is the only one who sits on His throne with the authority to judge our actions.

So I pray now that as I see decisions people have made or are making, that I would be slow to judge, quick to accept, and persistent in loving no matter what the outcome or affect on my life. But moreso, I pray that as I face decisions, choices, changes, that God would hold me close to His heart. That I would look only to Him for guidance in my actions, that I would seek affirmation only in His love, approval only in His law, and that I would yield only to His judgement as each decision passes. For only He knows the deepest desires of my heart, only He can see the darkest corners of my soul, only He knows where He is leading me and the joyful, glorious future He has planned for me. And only He can decide how I will get there. I pray that He brings me through, protected and strong, to the joy and peace that He has waiting for me on the other side of this life.