Devotional: Decision-Making
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”
-Psalm 32:8
Where do you go when you need direction?
People who don’t know God might look to astrology, tarot cards, or fortune telling. But most of us, Christians and non-Christians alike, will ask Google, counselors, family members, friends, and other people we trust to give us direction when faced with a decision to make.
There’s nothing wrong with receiving advice from other people, especially if they are also believers who listen to God’s voice. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Although this verse is referring to gaining wisdom for leading a nation, the principle also applies to our lives. It is wise to obtain counsel from multiple Christ-minded people.
Primarily, however, when we seek instruction and guidance, our first source should be God.
How do we ask God for guidance?
My first inclination when needing to make a decision is to go to a person or the internet. This is because I can get an immediate answer. It’s more difficult to approach God in prayer first because it usually takes time, patience, and trusting in Him. Additionally, we don’t typically hear His voice audibly when He gives us answers.
Firstly, however, when needing guidance, our goal is to pray for God’s wisdom. Philippians 4:6 tells us “not [to] be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Secondly, wait for an answer. As you pray, calm your mind and see if God will pop His thoughts into your mind. How do you know if it’s Him? It lines up with the Bible and it might be an answer that you don’t want to hear. Sometimes, you might not receive a direct answer, but you might sense His peace when thinking about one of your choices. From my experience, this is the most common way that God reveals His answer to me. The verse immediately after Philippians 4:6 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We submit our requests to Him, and He will guard us with peace about a decision or with peace knowing that He is ultimately in control.
Thirdly, if you don’t receive an answer through prayer the first time or even after multiple times, it’s important to keep praying, but also reading the Bible. His Word is the primary way that He speaks to us. Don’t approach the Bible like a fortune-telling device by opening it up randomly expecting your answer to be on that page. That’s not the way we handle God’s Word. Instead, focus on growing closer to Him through reading it normally and studying it. The more we ingest the Bible, the more that His wisdom takes root inside of us and transforms our way of thinking. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Finally, reach out to the Christ-followers in your life who love the Lord and want to please Him. Notice that I specifically said “Christ-followers.” You might have many Christians in your life, but not all follow Him. Even Christians can offer you worldly advice instead of godly advice. If God wants to make His direction for you clear, godly advice will confirm what He has already been speaking to you.
What if we don’t receive a clear answer on what choice to make?
When making a time-sensitive decision that doesn’t have an obvious right or wrong choice, you can make logical conclusions and simply choose. Remember, God gave us brains for a reason.
If you are afraid of making the wrong choice, here’s my tip: trust God’s goodness toward you. If you make your decision in faith, God will be faithful to shut that door if it is not what He wants. This has happened to me multiple times. He loves you and will protect you. Sometimes He doesn’t give us a clear answer because He wants us to exercise our faith so that He can show Himself faithful. We wouldn’t have to practice our faith if He gave us exact answers all the time.
Ultimately, do not fear that your decision will “mess things up.” Remember, God is sovereign, and His will will be done.
An example from my life:
Several years ago, I wanted to do an au pair program immediately after graduating from college, so I started communicating with different host families in countries like France and Italy. The goal of a program like this is to exchange childcare for room and board while integrating into a different culture. I had just FaceTimed with a family in Italy who lived on a gorgeous lake tucked in the mountains when I received a text message. It was from the mom of a family I occasionally would babysit for during the school year. She told me there were moving to Austin, Texas around the time that I was graduating and asked if I wanted to be their live-in nanny and mother’s helper. It was essentially the same idea as being an au pair, except I would be in America and get paid a salary.
I wanted to say yes because I loved this family, but I had my heart set on going to a different country, particularly Italy.
I prayed about it for just a few days and the answer became clear as day. God didn’t give me an explicit yes or no, but the choice that I felt peace about was saying yes to the Austin, Texas family. I knew it was the correct choice because 1) it was opposite of what I wanted, 2) the timing of the offer was oddly coincidental, 3) the thought wouldn’t leave my mind, and 4) I felt peace about that choice but not about the Italian family.
I moved in with this family in January of 2020. A few months later, COVID affected the world and Italy was one of the nations that was hit the hardest in the beginning. Little did I know, God had given me wisdom to choose to live with the family in Austin because otherwise, I would have been stuck in a rough situation being miles away from family and isolated during the beginning of the pandemic. God is always looking out for us, which is why it is important to always include Him in our decision-making.
Take a moment: What is your typical method for making decisions?
Think about how you typically make decisions.
Does it involve God at all?
Do you give up on God in the process because He is taking too long to answer?
Do you overthink and worry too much about making the wrong choice?
The next time you are faced with making a decision, put God first and see what He tells you. Additionally, hold onto the following promises:
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
He is your Good Shepherd and you are His sheep. John 10:3-4 – “To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”
Psalm 37:23 – “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way…”
Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Psalm 25:9 – “He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way.”
There are countless Scriptures assuring us that we can trust in God for His direction. Trusting His Word and His character when making a decision is what it means to live by faith.
-Alina