Our Knee-Jerk Reactions

 

I’ve had my share of knee-jerk reactions -- literally and figuratively. Years of long-distance running, pickleball, and other knee-abusing activities caught up with me.

I didn’t realize the damage until much later in life, when I finally went to see an orthopedic surgeon. His advice? Stop running, use the elliptical, take easier walks, and wear knee braces when needed.

Thankfully, I listened. My knees have improved because I followed his direction. These days, I don’t jerk my knees, so I don’t have quite as many “knee-jerk” reactions either.

But oh, when it comes to life decisions, that’s a whole different ball game. Ever been at a crossroads wondering, Should I say “yes” or should I say “no”? Should I stay or should I go?

And before I could even pray about it, I already jumped in with both feet -- only to realize I’ve put the cart before the horse -- or more accurately, my ways before God’s ways.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” But stillness isn’t exactly our strong suit, is it? Waiting on God feels like sitting at a green light with a line of honking cars behind us. So, we make a knee-jerk decision, and off we go -- right into regret.

A dear friend once told me she made a hasty choice and felt awful about it. When she went to see her mom, one look and her mom said, “I know that look. You had to be in charge again, didn’t you, instead of letting God be in charge?”

Here’s the good news: God is never caught off guard by our impulsive moves. While our choices may land us in a mess, they don’t surprise Him. Like a loving parent, He reels us back in -- offering correction, grace, and a hand to help us clean up the spill we made.

So the next time you feel like making a snap decision just to “get things moving,” remember: His timing is always right. His ways are always better.

And when we do make a knee-jerk move, He’s faithful to give us a loving jerk back onto the right path -- because His ultimate goal is to help us finish the race well.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)