My parents made all my decisions. Which was fine while I was a minor, but they continued doing so into my late teens and young adulthood.
Once, when I was around thirteen or so, I needed a pair of sneakers for school. My mother gave me money and told me to get it myself. Not used to shopping alone, I asked the store attendant for a pair of sneakers. She showed me this adorable white pair with blue and red stripes. I purchased it at once. When I got home my mother told me to take it back it’s not the correct colour for school. The school uniform called for plain white sneakers. You would think I should have known that. But I just went with it because that was the first one the attendant showed me.
Even when I go to a fast-food restaurant, I’ll stand gazing at the menu board for aeons just trying to decide if to buy a chicken burger with or without fries.
Decision-making was and sometimes still is difficult for me. At one time, I questioned every decision I made. If it turned out to be a bad one, I would beat myself up for a long time, thinking I must be the densest person in the entire universe. What’s worse is finding someone trustworthy to help me with the hard decisions, as my introversion makes it difficult for me to confide in people.
I have since learnt that decision-making becomes smoother if you let God into the process. The bible teaches a lot about allowing God to guide our paths. You will find most of these teachings in the Psalms and Proverbs.
The Fear of God Brings Wisdom and Knowledge
Psalm 111:10 states: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. If you want God’s guidance in your decision-making, the first thing you need to do is fear Him. To fear God does not mean to be afraid of Him but to revere Him. Reverence is a feeling of deep respect tinged with awe, according to Dictionary.com. This respect involves putting God first, pleasing Him before pleasing others or ourselves. When we aim to please God by placing Him first in our lives, He gives us the wisdom to make the right decisions.
Another interesting verse is Proverbs 1:7, which states: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. After reading this verse, I wondered what the difference between wisdom and knowledge was. The Key Differences website explains that knowledge is the collection of information and facts about something or someone by learning and experience. Wisdom is the ability to judge and make the right choices in life. The article further pointed out that knowledge without wisdom is possible, but wisdom without knowledge is impossible. Therefore, to gain wisdom, we must first gain knowledge and then apply that knowledge sensibly to our decision-making. God, in His ultimate wisdom, will give us the knowledge we need to make the right choices.
James gives some good advice about asking for wisdom:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”
Jesus prayed before making decisions. One example was before He chose His twelve apostles. We read in the Gospel of Luke:
“One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles.”
Among these men were four fishermen, a tax collector, a Zealot, and the treasurer who stole money for himself and later betrayed Jesus. An unlikely group of men to become messengers of the Messiah. But each one played a pivotal role in Jesus’ ministry, and after His death and resurrection. Including Judas Iscariot, whose betrayal paved the way for Jesus’ crucifixion, which was necessary for humanity’s salvation.
God Guided Me in a Major Decision
Almost three years ago, an individual I trusted to take care of my aging mother took advantage of my mother’s dementia and stole all her life savings. Every. Single. Penny. When I reported it to the police, they told me they could do nothing since I had no proof of my mother’s condition. I wanted this person to pay for what they did so I prayed for justice. But I sensed the Lord telling me, “Lisa, don’t go after this person to try and retrieve the money, only take care of your mother and leave the rest up to Me.”
I consulted a lawyer who told me it made no sense to spend thousands of dollars in court when there is no assurance, that I would ever get back the stolen money. So, I let it go. And while I remained peeved that this person got away with a crime, I obeyed God and focused on caring for my mother. I managed my mother’s funds to the point where she now has more than she did at the time of the theft. But I take no credit for this—it is all God.
This incident taught me so many lessons. It also erased any doubt in my mind that God is real and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
When you pray for guidance, the answer may not, at first glance, be what you expected or hoped. But this is where you must trust that God knows what He’s doing. It may be later on when you grasp how His guidance made sense and are glad you trusted and obeyed Him.
If you are uncertain about how to pray for guidance and wisdom, Psalm 143:8 is an excellent verse you can pray each morning.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
I take all my decision-making to God, the big and little ones alike. I leave them in His hands and wait for his guidance. Remember, the Lord will direct and guide you once you trust and obey Him, for He delights in every detail of your life (Psalm 37:23 NLT).
Prayer
Lord, I ask you today to please guide me in my decision-making. Show me what your will is for me today and give me the strength to do what pleases you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Recommended Reading
What Is 1 Decision You Can Make Today? by Lori Shoaf
Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom. You opened-up a piece of your life and shared a very important piece of wisdom. God will direct me if I ask Him and wait for His decision. I needed to read and re-read part of your life story.
Blessings, friend.
This is a beautiful post, Lisa. I appreciate your straightforward approach to sharing God’s truths.
Thank you Nancy!
Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom. You opened-up a piece of your life and shared a very important piece of wisdom. God will direct me if I ask Him and wait for His decision. I needed to read and re-read part of your life story.
Blessings, friend.
You are most welcome Tammy my friend. Thank you for reading. Blessings.