Learn how to make wise decisions with 6 biblical steps that help you seek God’s will, trust Scripture, and move forward with confidence.
We make hundreds, possibly thousands, of decisions every day. Many of these choices are made without much thought. But some decisions are hard. These are the ones that keep us up at night. They can feel life-changing, frightening and overwhelming. Today, let’s talk about how to make those tough decisions.
First, let me make this clear. All decisions must be made in light of God’s Word. The Bible is the yardstick by which a life should be measured. Still, some decisions get tangled up in emotions, endless possibilities, and just plain indecision. Here are six steps to take when faced with these difficult times.
Pray
Have a conversation with God. He already knows what you desire and what the result will be. God knows what is best for your life. He is omniscient. He is omniscient.
So why does God want us to pray if He already knows? Because God wants a close and meaningful relationship with you.
He wants us to learn and grow in Him, and that includes learning how to make decisions according to His Word and His will. When we do this, we glorify God and make him greater in our lives.
Do not be anxious about anything, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7
Align your heart with God
Bring your heart, mind, will, emotions and intellect into a place where it has no will of its own. This is not easy. In fact, much of the difficulty in making difficult decisions comes from struggling with our own strong desires. We want what we want.
But God calls us to make His will our will.
It’s a real battle. If most of us were honest, we would admit that we often want our own way.
The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can know it? Jer 17:9
Spend time in God’s Word and in prayer, asking Him to shape your heart so that His will becomes yours. It’s easy to look for cues or cling to feelings that support our preferences. But the best way is always God’s will, even when it stretches us.
Feelings can be deceiving
Feelings can be powerful, but they can also be misleading.
Don’t make decisions based on emotions or impressions alone. As we walk with God over time, discernment grows. Wise decisions are rooted in God’s Word, not fickle feelings.
One clear test is this. If something is not in accordance with Scripture, it is not God’s will. If what we believe God is telling us contradicts His Word, we can be sure it is not from Him.
Read the Bible
Seek God’s Spirit by connecting with God’s Word. Talk to Him. Ask Him to reveal His will. Then open your Bible and read. These practices are related, especially when important decisions have to be made.
God will never, ever, ever ask you to choose something that is contrary to His Word.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may know what is the will of God, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1
God warns us not to mold our lives according to the ungodly patterns we see around us. This leads to bad choices. Instead, transformation occurs when God renews our minds and hearts.
As you compare your thoughts with Scripture, clarity begins to form. This helps you discern what is in accordance with God’s will and what is not. Making decisions in this way leads to spiritual growth and maturity.
We want our thoughts, our will, and our understanding to reflect the heart of our Father.
Seek Divine counsel
Sometimes God guides us through the wisdom of other mature Christians. When a decision seems difficult or confusing, it can be helpful to seek counsel from believers who know God’s Word and walk closely with Him. God often uses wise, trusted voices to bring clarity, confirmation, or gentle correction.
Seeking counsel is not a lack of faith, it is a sign of humility and wisdom.
He that trusteth in his own understanding is a fool: but he that walketh in wisdom shall be delivered. Pro 28:26
Seek God’s guidance in your circumstances
Finally, after taking all the steps above, consider providential circumstances.
This comes with an important caveat.
Make sure you pray sincerely. Make sure your heart is betrayed. Put aside emotions and impressions. Seek God through His Word. When your heart is fully submitted to His will, then you can seek His guidance in your circumstances.
I often think of it as an open door. These open doors are providential moments that are in line with God’s Word and His ways. God’s will never contradicts Scripture.
This is not the easy way to make decisions, but it is the God-pleasing way.
God does not promise quick answers. He pledges allegiance. So we must also remain faithful. Keep praying. Keep looking. Keep reading the Scriptures. Watch for God’s guidance without allowing personal desire to interfere.
When a godly decision is finally made, praise God and thank Him. Don’t be in doubt. Trust Him completely.
I hope this encourages you as you face these difficult choices we all face, trusting that God will guide you along the right path.
May we grow in maturity and bring glory to God through every decision we make.
A verse to seal in your heart this week…
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may know what is the will of God, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1
Other help posts
If you are going through a period of uncertainty or seeking peace as you make difficult decisions, these Sunday scriptures can encourage and comfort your heart.
How to control your negative thoughts
This post shares biblical truth and practical encouragement for quieting anxious and negative thoughts and aligning them with God’s Word.
What to do when you’re in trouble
A comforting reminder of where to turn when the heart feels restless, offering scriptural guidance for finding peace in difficult times.
What to do when you are waiting for God to answer your prayers
This post speaks to the difficult environment of waiting, encouraging trust, patience and faith when God’s answers seem delayed.
How to pray when you are at a loss for words
An honest look at prayer during weary seasons, confident that God hears even the prayers we cannot fully express.
Happy Sunday my friend!
