Guidance When Making Decisions
1. God promises wisdom when we ask.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
2. Search your heart for any hidden or known sin which may hinder God from answering your prayers.
Psalm 66:18
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.
3. Analyze your motives to discover whether what you desire is for God’s glory.
James 4:3
You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
4. Believe not only that God desires to guide you, but believe He WILL guide you.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you continually,
5. Discover whether there are any Biblical principles involved in the decision you are going to make. The Bible is a rich source of guidance. God often guides us through His Word.
Psalm 119:10,11,105,133
With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.
6. Seek counsel from godly, Christian counselors who believe in God’s Word.
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
7. Look for providences--divinely ordained circumstances which indicate which way you should go.
These “providences” are like sign posts helping us in the process of the decision. They do not take the place of God’s Word, sound judgement or good common sense. They assist us in the decision-making process.
Proverbs 23:26
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
Ecclesiastes 8:5
He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
8. When you have earnestly prayed about a decision, have consulted God’s word, thought carefully about it, sought counsel and watched for providential leadings, make the wisest decision possible believing God Himself is leading you.
Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
