Are you struggling to make a decision that seeks to please God but are unsure of which way to go? If so, here are 5 helpful ways to discern and take action that is pleasing to God.
_______________________________
From the moment we wake up, we are making decisions. It’s sometimes one question or choice after another,
- “what to wear?”
- “eggs or cereal?”
- “news or social media?”
And on and on.
There are times however when we are faced with major, life-changing decisions. Situations that leave us unsure of which direction to turn.
Such as who to marry, which job to take or the house you want to buy. Decisions that will affect our future and those we love.
So how do we make decisions that we are happy about and that is in line with our faith?
Decision-making and Discernment
I was listening to a podcast the other day and the speaker shared that when counterfeit agents train to identify counterfeit money, their sole focus is to examine and completely know what real money looks like.
They get to see the intricate details of real money so well that when they come in contact with fake money, they are able to spot it a mile away because they intimately know the real deal. Isn’t that amazing?
You’re probably wondering what does that have to do with faith and more importantly, what does it have to do with you and me?
A lot actually.
I believe this speaks so well about discernment and why it’s so important to know the Bible – the real thing – so that when something comes along that isn’t real you can spot it quickly.
Over the past few weeks, I have been struggling to make a decision about something. I was hemming and hawing, going back and forth and not being able to discern which direction to go.
Have you felt that way before? If you have, then you know how exhausting it can be.
Also see: Prayers to Soothe An Anxious Heart
Discernment can be one of the biggest challenges we face as Christian believers. Yet it is also an opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the word of God so that we can spot any misleading or fake opportunities that disguise themselves as coming from Him.
As C.H. Spurgeon reminds us “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”
So true, right? Discernment is tough and not for the faint of heart.
|
|
If you are struggling with trying to make a decision today, I have great news for you.
First, you are not alone. The Bible is filled with so many who struggled to discern which direction to go – Adam and Eve, Mary and Martha to name a few.
Second, know that you can surrender your decision to God. He cares about every part of your life, even the things that seem small to you.
Also see: How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs About Prayer
How to make a decision that is pleasing to God
Making a decision of any kind can be challenging. But when you’re also trying to make a decision that is pleasing to God, it can be paralyzing. It can affect how you choose a spouse, a job, where you live, which friends to have and so much more.
1. PRAY
When you are trying to make a decision that is pleasing to God, you have to spend time with Him so can know what His Will for you. You cannot expect to know what God wants if you are not close and intimately connected to Him. So if you are trying to make a decision that is pleasing to God, dedicate time throughout the day to speak to Him. Try to pray not just in the morning or during your normal prayer time, but pray throughout the day as well – pray often and fervently and ask God to help and guide you as you decide.
2. SEEK COUNSEL & ACCOUNTABILITY
God oftentimes speak to us through the wisdom of other people so if you are trying to make a decision that is pleasing to God, talk to someone you trust and whose opinion you value and admire. It could be a trusted friend or an acquaintance that you know is a good person of faith. Seeking counsel from others helps gives you a new perspective on your decision and insights you might not consider before. This is why it is so important that we surround ourselves with not just people who look, think, and act like us but also those who challenge us.
3. STEP AWAY AND BE STILL
This might sound counter-intuitive but when you are trying to make a decision that is pleasing to God, it can take you over and the best thing to do is to step away from it for a time so you can hopefully think and see things with fresh eyes. If you can, give it a full day where you do not think about it but also be open to any whispers God sends to you during this time. Spending time in quiet can be so helpful.
4. SEARCH THE BIBLE
Lastly, whatever you are going through, chances are someone has gone through it before as well. Take some time to look to scriptures of any instances where others in the Bible have faced a similar circumstance as you and how they handled it. The details might be slightly different but the heart of the decision can be very similar.
5. TAKE ACTION
Finally, don’t be afraid to take action. Keep in mind that complacency is also a tactic of the enemy to keep you from doing the thing God has called you to do. Be mindful of his schemes and don’t be afraid to take action after you have done the 4 things listed above.
Also see: Psalm 91 and Psalm 23 Meditations
Prayer for decision making
In the end, know that God loves you and He will make everything work for the good of those who love Him. He is a forgiving, merciful and loving God. He will not leave or forsake you.
A Prayer For Decision Making
Oh Lord, I am so confused and don’t know which direction to go.
All I know is that I want to make a choice that is pleasing to You.
Help me to know Your Will as I make this decision. Instruct me and teach me in the way I should go.
May I hear clearly Your voice telling me to go this way or that and give me wisdom to commit my plans to you alone.
Oh Lord, I pray that I may trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. Equip me with every good thing so that I may do Your Will.
In Jesus’ Mighty Name, I pray. Amen
Psalm 32:8. Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 30:21, Proverbs 16:13, Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 13:21
Is this helpful to you? I pray that it gives you some inspiration and comfort as you discern.
My prayer is that God gives you clear direction and that you know for certain His way for your life. May He be a lamp to your feet and the light to your path. Amen
