Your life His-Story – God had it already planned out before it began. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16) I find great comfort and security in knowing that God has my life planned out exactly how God wants it.
What I have come to realize:
Seeking Guidance From the Bible When Making Major Decisions
1. Trust in God: Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in The Lord with ALL your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Often when faced with a decision, we try to rely on what we already know (or have been told) to make the best possible choice. And while an educated decision is certainly a good idea — especially if it’s a major one — seniors of faith will share that we probably can’t know everything. There are daily fluctuations/changes! You know what? There is The Source that Knew them before they were spoken/enacted/done!
For example, when considering a move into a new job/change in career/location, you can know what your personal preferences and needs are. You can do research to find out what a community offers and read reviews and testimonials to discover if the job/area has a good reputation.
But you can’t know what tomorrow will hold or exactly how your move might play out over all details. Which means you must be willing to trust in God if His Spirit is leading you to make this move.
God knows ALL
2. Ask God for Wisdom and Discernment: James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him/her ask God, Who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be Given him/her.”
God does not make decisions for us, though. God has given us the gift of free will so that we can make decisions and choose to Love Him. Which means we also have to make these Earthly decisions. He doesn’t leave us unequipped, and we can ask God for guidance and wisdom for these choices.
3. Realize God Calls People to Counsel Each Other: Proverbs 11:14
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Some people get stuck listening for that still, small voice of The Spirit when they seek guidance in a situation. But remember that God doesn’t just Speak directly to us. Often, God speaks to us through others (remember in the OT the people God spoke through. The NT the disciples and Men/woMen of God.) Talk about your decisions with people you trust, faith leaders and experts. And be willing to hear from God in other forms, including sermons, books and even television shows. When you’re open to The Spirit, you never know how the leading will arrive.
4. Pray About Everything: Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Sometimes we are guilty of turning to God in prayer only for the major things.
Remember this! pray ceaselessly
And while all these tips certainly apply to big decisions such as how to spend your time/earning and/or savings, they also apply to little things.
The Bible tells us to pray about everything. Consider praying in the morning about your schedule; invite The LORD to go before you, with you and surround you with His grace and glory in all that we engage in that day. Such as if a co-worker, colleague, even a member of staff could use a kind word or a smile during the day. Be used by The LORD. Everything occurs for a reason, you are where you are for a reason. Other things you might pray over include how to use the time and talents God has given you, when to call a family member and what to say to someone who you feel needs encouragement or who has wronged you.
5. Turn to Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…”
This verse in Timothy reminds us that all Scripture is good for learning. These five are a great place to start, but if you’re seeking guidance with a decision — big or small — consider reading your Bible and looking for Scripture that speaks to you.
https://openthebible.org/article/five-steps-to-renewing-your-mind/