“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21
We make decisions all the time, some big and others small. Have you ever been faced with a decision where you weren’t sure what to do? Did you wish that you could hear God’s voice telling you the path to take? Unfortunately, it doesn’t usually work that way. Someone close to me is at a bit of a crossroads in her life and will soon have to make a big decision related to her career. I’m hoping this post will help her – and others – to make decisions in line with God’s will.
I don’t necessarily think we need to seek God’s guidance on decisions like whether to have Cheerios or Special K for breakfast. Or what outfit we should wear to an event. But we face some big decisions in life where we definitely need God’s support. Here are some examples:
- Is this the person I should marry?
- Should I have kids?
- Should I change jobs?
- Where should I live?
- Should I go back to school?
Below are some things that you can do to try to discern God’s will in your decision-making process.
Consult God’s Word
The Bible is the guide for our lives. You don’t have to take a shot in the darkness of decision-making. When it comes to making decisions, much of what we need to know is quite obvious in Scripture. If your decision is about whether to cheat on your spouse, you don’t have to dig very far to find the answer. But if it’s something less clear, you may need to do some additional investigation to get help with your answer.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:10
Pray
We communicate with God through prayer. Pray about your decision and ask for his guidance and direction in the process. Be careful not to confuse God’s voice with your feelings and desires.
Listen to inner conviction
The inner convictions from the Holy Spirit will always be in line with God’s will for us and are therefore critical when it comes to making right decisions. How do we know what this is? I don’t know for sure, but I know that I often feel a nudge in one direction or another and have a feeling of peace when I think about making that choice. I believe that is coming from the Holy Spirit.
Consider your circumstances
God can open and close opportunities. He may use events in your life to point you in a certain direction. For example, maybe you are thinking of moving but aren’t sure of what to do. If your house catches on fire and you get a great job offer in another city, these would be hints that moving would be a good decision.
“These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” Revelation 3:7
Seek the counsel of Christian friends
Approach some trusted friends and ask for their insights and guidance. You might share the following with them:
- The options.
- The details.
- What you feel God is saying to you.
Then listen and consider how their counsel can help inform your decision.
Follow peace
One way that we can be certain we are hearing from God is to follow peace. He may lead us to make sudden changes, but He will always give us His peace in the midst of it.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts….” Colossians 3:15
“Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:15-17
Ask yourself whether your choice meets the above qualifications to help discern whether you are on the right path.
REFLECT
What is your current process when it comes to making a big decision?
What will you do going forward to make sure that your decisions are in line with His will?
