“Did you feel a peace about it?” This is a seemingly inevitable Christian response to the announcement of any significant decision, such as taking a job, letting go of a relationship or choosing a major. It is a question generally intended for good, but it is not a helpful question to reflect on unless we know what is meant by peace.

What is Peace?

We often associate peace with quiet and stillness. For the individual, peace might be described as an inner tranquility. Yet, if you are anything like me, you do not feel this overwhelming sensation very often, if ever. In fact, the decision-making process probably feels something like this: You weigh your options, spend time in prayer and take counsel from others. You come to a conclusion and then you carry it out.

However, unpleasant feelings linger and the engulfing peace-sensation never arrives. The pain of giving something up or the anxiety of taking on a new responsibility sets in. The decision has been made, but the feelings are not good. Is this the implication of a poor decision? Must we feel a complete peace to know we have done the right thing? Or, do we need to reexamine our understanding of peace in the context of decision making?

We ought to keep in mind that true peace will not be known until we are made perfect by our heavenly father. An overwhelming peace is not sustainable in an imperfect human soul. Chaos and pain will endure as long as we are living on earth. As we make decisions, we will feel the pain of letting go, the fear of change and the anxiety of an uncertain future. Though many of our choices are easy, we all have to face those conflicting decisions that tear our hearts in two. It would be inappropriate, then, to judge the correctness of our resolutions based on feelings.

Making Wise Decisions

Sometimes the wisest decision is the most painful one. Sometimes the right choice still leaves us with confusion. Even so, we can be confident in the fact that our sovereign God is perpetually bringing about our good. As we pray and seek during our decision-making process, we can trust that he is ultimately leading us toward him, despite what our feelings communicate to us. Life and the decisions that come with it are painful, but God’s goodness will always shine through.

How, then, do we respond to the familiar question, “Did you feel a peace about it?” Respond with a “Yes.” You can express your feelings both good and bad, but, ultimately, remember that you have an unshakeable confidence as a child of the sovereign God.