Making Wise Decisions
At times in life, it can be hard to know the right decisions to make. Sometimes we have some tough decisions we face regarding finances, our children, and other important issues. We often wonder how can we make the right decision? I know in my life it’s so important to make a decision that will honor God and to know I’m making a decision that God desires for my life. It’s not always easy to know how to make that decision. Although, I have found out that there is a way that can help me make those decisions. By following the peace that God gives me, I can know it’s the one He desires for me to make.
In the last year our family has had to make some decisions that weren’t easy for us to discern what God wanted. We struggled through some hoping and praying that we were making the right move. After prayer and counseling, we were able to make the decisions we needed to. We found that peace was the deciding factor for us. Peace may not always mean the absence of chaos, but it’s that inner calm that your soul feels when making the decision. I want to share three ways that I think we can have God’s peace regarding a decision. These are three that have helped us in decision making.
Meditate on God’s Word-
God’s Word is full of wisdom for us. We can dwell on it and let it guide us in our decision making. It’s there to help us know God’s heart. His heart is that we honor Him, worship Him, and praise Him. His heart wants what’s best for us. So if we we will meditate and read God’s Word daily, then we will have His peace when we make the decision that He desires. In Joshua it reads: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Spend time in prayer-
If we keep the lines of communication open with our Father, we’ll definitely have His peace when we make decisions. Just like you talk with your spouse, children, or friends to know what they like or want, we have to talk with our Lord. He wants to hear from you and He desires to speak to you about your life. By spending focused time with Him and constantly talking to Him, we can discern the right decisions to make daily. David tells us in the book of Psalms: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11
Seek wise counselors-
It’s very good to have a few close friends (older, peers, or younger) that are wise and close to the Lord. Asking them to help you pray or even asking them advice about decisions is something that can help you out. Proverbs 11:14 even talks about counselors: Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Of course they can’t make the decisions for you, but they can help pray with you. We have at least 3 close people we consider counselors (some are single and some are married) that we talk to about big decisions and get their input and prayer. Be sure to be careful though who you talk to about decisions you don’t want spread.
I hope these help you as you face decisions. There have been times where we just weren’t sure what to do. It was so frustrating and scary. We wanted to make the right decision and honor God. Sometimes it was very evident about what decision we had to make and other times it wasn’t as evident. Faith. That’s what it takes. Being intimate with our Father and having faith that He will catch us when we step out is the key.
I created a printable for you to print out and put somewhere in your home or take with you. I hope you enjoy it! 3 Tips for Making Wise Decision.
Lord, thank You for peace and wisdom as we make decisions daily. Our decisions affect so much more than just us. We desire to honor You as we make decisions. We desire to know what You want from us and what You want us to do. Help us to seek Your face, stay in Your Word, and surround ourselves with God-fearing people. May we lean on You for strength and guidance to face the day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you Heather for sharing your wisdom with us.