Making decisions
Making decisions can be anguishing no matter the topic. What to eat or what to wear? Where to go to school or work or live? When to get married or start a family? Where to worship and how to be involved in your community?
Both small and big decisions set life on a course and point us in a direction for the future. Our decisions influence and shape who we will become. No wonder they seem overwhelming at times!
Where is your starting point?
A compass always points north. Where do you point your heart to guide and orient you through your days?
The most important and life defining decision we will ever make is what we do with the invitation to know Jesus as Lord and Savior in a personal relationship. If we choose to humble ourselves as sinners and believe His sinless life was given so we could be accepted by a holy God, the decision to follow Him sets us on the path of righteousness. He is our point of reference for everything we do.
Direction is determined by the Holy Spirit who guides and leads us.
The life and words of Jesus and many other people in the Bible give us examples to model our lives and footsteps to follow. We can pray and ask God to order our steps and direct our paths and be confident it is God’s desire to reveal His plans and purposes to us.
One place I look for direction and leading when making a decision is Psalms and Proverbs. These books are chocked full of counsel for how to live a godly life and make choices and decisions that lead to peace and fulfillment.
I am praying about several decisions I need to make right now. These words helped me turn my attention to the source of true wisdom. They orient me to make these decisions with my heart set resolutely toward God.
“The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 (NKJV)
The Word of God will shine supernatural light on the natural situation. The direction of this journey will be revealed as I read and listen to His voice in the Word. I pray, “Jesus, enlighten my mind and spirit with your words. My insight and perspective is limited. It is humanly impossible to see the future and understand the full reach You intend to make in or through me in this decision. I need Your wisdom, clarity, and Your point of view.”
There have been times in my past where all I could say was, “I will do whatever You show me. Please make it clear to my simple mind.”
Without fail, the next step became clear through the word, prayer, listening, and obeying.
God’s word nourishes my spirit. Faith grows and enables me to depend on revelation and illumination. God’s voice speaks when I am reading, praying, and meditating, (sitting in His truth and allowing it to soak into my heart.)
If you are waiting for clarity and direction, invite him into the waiting room with you and train your heart toward Him. Determine you will not make a move until He shows you and trust he will never take you the wrong way.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Decision making is rarely a straight line or a methodical chart of steps and predictable circumstances. I’ve learned the hard way that compromise and convenience are often waiting to sabotage God’s best for me. Well meaning but misguided voices are sure to try to influence the process.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27 (ESV)
I’d like to leave you with some other Scripture references to guide your heart to orient to Him. Read them and allow them to saturate your heart and mind. Pray for the word to be alive in you and listen carefully to the nudges and prompts you get from the Holy Spirit throughout today.
Matthew 6:33
John 14:26
Psalm 32:8
Proverbs 16:3
Isaiah 30:21
Will you join me learning to always make God’s way my Plan A and grow to trust there is no need for more?
