Life is filled with decisions, isn’t it?
In fact, each new day breeds a fresh string of choices to make and problems to solve. The process of decision-making can be exhausting and stressful, especially if we are unsure about which way to turn and if the decisions that we make are right or wrong. Some decisions are relatively small, like which socks to wear when you get dressed, or what’s the quickest way to get to work to avoid traffic? Other choices can be more challenging and hold far greater significance depending on how we choose. Things such as, should I take that job, or is it best to pursue a mortgage on a new house, verses being a renter? I get tired just thinking about all the decisions, big and small, that are rattling around in my head at any given time.
What sort of decisions are you facing right now, and how do you make them? More importantly, who do you consult in making those choices? I think it’s fair to say that we all have a network of people to bounce things off of: parents, a spouse, siblings, or friends. Maybe even a pastor or the friendly cashier you speak with at the grocery store each time you need milk and bread. Good decision-making is all about seeking wise advice, and it can be invaluable when choosing the right option.
One other question?
Are you also remembering to consult the wisest and most trustworthy friend of all time? Are you including God the Father in your decisions, big and small? Without questions, he wants us to include him in everything, and loves when we ask him for guidance and direction, no matter the decision to be made. Dr. Charles Stanley once said, “Life is really just one continuous series of decisions, but we are not left to figure all this out by ourselves. God has given us directions for wise decision-making.” Dr. Stanley encourages every believer to read their Bible and spend time in prayer to discern and discover those wise directions from the Lord.
I don’t believe that God wants us overwhelmed with a legion of daily decisions. He wants to be included through prayer for all of those decision-making dilemmas we find ourselves struggling with. God tells us to pray for WISDOM:
“For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6 NLT)
We should also pray for DISCERNMENT: “Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws.” (Psalms 119:125 NLT)
Next comes DIRECTION: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalms 32:8 NLT)
Last comes PEACE.
I know how difficult it can be to make decisions and how easy it can be to second-guess yourself, wondering if a certain choice is really what God wants. Even asking God to help us make the right decision can lead to torment if we don’t feel at peace about it. So, it’s crucial that in our decision-making process, we ask God for the peace that only he can provide.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)
I will leave you with a fitting prayer for faith-based decision-making, and because I have my own list of decisions to make, one of them a biggie, I can assure you that I will be mindfully praying it myself as a way to include God and chase down his wisdom. Together, let’s seek out the Lord and move forward in our decision-making with absolute heavenly confidence: “Dear God, I look to no one else for wisdom. I humbly ask for Your help in making one of the most important decisions in my life because I don’t know how to make it without You. Please give me direction, wisdom, and peace so I can make the right decision and bring glory to Your name. Amen.”
Paul Smyth
