Say No to “Galau”

According to the Indonesian dictionary, “galau” means being busy in a crowd, extremely noisy, or having a mind that is troubled and unsettled. In everyday conversation, “galau” is often associated with the third meaning. “Galau” describes a mental condition that is uneasy, sad, anxious, regretful, confused, or a combination of several of those things. I personally use the word “galau” when I am trapped between two difficult choices and do not know what to do.

However, we should not stay in that state of confusion for too long because it is not a stable period. Everyone needs peace of mind and clarity of purpose.

For that reason, let us examine what God’s Word says about confusion and how to overcome it.

1. Pray and Ask for Wisdom

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 

But let him ask in faith, without doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. For a double-minded person will not be steady in his life. 

– James 1:5-8

When facing a major decision in life, you can bring it in prayer. God gives wisdom to whoever asks for it in faith. He will show what should be done or bring about factors that help us make our decision.

This is where personal devotion becomes important, because God can use it to speak to you. Sometimes, when I am praying, it feels as though new ideas are flying around me, ready to be caught. Through personal devotion, I am corrected and told what should be done to find a solution.

2. Compare the Pros and Cons or Combine Solutions

For only with planning can you wage war, and victory depends on many advisers. – Proverbs 24:6

When you feel galau about what major to choose in college, whether to work at company A or B, whether to invest in this or that, whether to continue or leave a relationship with someone, try making a pros-and-cons table.

Example:

You can replace “major” with “company” or whatever is under your consideration. By writing down the pros and cons, you can see more clearly the strengths and weaknesses of each option.

As someone who finds it difficult to make decisions, I have a book for recording my considerations in the form of the table above. I deliberately write them in a book, not on a scrap of paper. The purpose is as a reminder, “Why did I choose this back then?” if one day I become galau again or regret that decision.

Decision-making methods are not limited to weighing pros and cons. You can develop many kinds of creative thinking. For example, can I find option C, which might be better than A and B? Is there an institution/method/party that combines options A and B? Can I gain the benefits of option A somewhere else while carrying out option B?

Besides thinking creatively, you also need to step back from the problem from time to time. Go to a quiet place, exercise, take a relaxed walk, or read inspiring books. Activities that shift your focus for a moment can help clear your mind so that you can see solutions you may previously have missed.

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying: This man began to build, and was not able to finish. – Luke 14:28-30

3. Ask for Opinions

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. – Proverbs 15:22 

God’s answer can come through His Word, through wisdom (ideas, signs, inspiration), or through the people around us. There are times when you need someone outside the circle of the problem to straighten out the tangled threads in your mind.

I once told a long story to an acquaintance to ask for an opinion. Then, quite easily, that person said, “Why not try method X? You just need to do this and that, and then the results will become clear.“

My response was simply, “That’s true. Why didn’t I think of that before?” It turned out that because my mind was so overwhelmed, even simple things could be overlooked.

You may ask and listen to other people’s opinions. However, remember that they only contribute suggestions; you are the one who must make the decision. This is your life, and you are the one who will live it, not them. And if someday you regret your decision, do not blame other people. Receive and reflect on their opinions, but make your decision according to your conscience with full confidence.

4. Take the First Step

If you have applied the three things above but still feel galau, perhaps this is the right time to make a decision.

There is no perfect decision! Everything comes as a package with its strengths and weaknesses. As long as you know the risks and advantages of your choice, all you can do is accept it and start moving forward.

As soon as those who carried the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water—the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest—the waters flowing down stood still.... while all Israel was crossing on dry ground, until all the nation finished crossing the Jordan. – Joshua 3:15, 16a, 17b

To reach Jericho, the city God had promised to the people of Israel, they first had to cross the Jordan River.

Imagine if the people of Israel had become all galau because God told them to cross a great river. “Oh no, this river is so deep; can we cross it? What about our children and livestock? What if there are crocodiles?”

Yes, if they had let confusion rule them, the people of Israel would never have crossed.

However, when they stepped forward and dipped their feet into the Jordan River, its waters parted and stopped flowing.

Believe this: there will be a way out when you begin to step forward. God will not leave you alone. He will accompany you through every part of the process.

Running out of ideas is not rare for writers. Yet one thing is certain: I would not produce a single piece of writing if I gave in to confusion. So, I pray for wisdom, turn on the computer, think, arrange an outline of ideas, and begin to write. At that moment, God gives a number of ideas and verses that fit the theme.

There are times when we must stop acting and start thinking. But there are also times to stop thinking and start acting. Take your first step!

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I hope the tips above can help you overcome confusion. If galau attacks again, remember these four things. Pray and ask God for wisdom, make a pros-and-cons table and combine solutions, ask for other people’s opinions, and do not forget to start moving. Keep going! - Church GKDI currently is in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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