How to make good decisions
Let's face it. No matter our age or level of education, there will be times when we don't know what to do.
From the moment we wake up in the morning until we fall asleep at the end of the day, we are continually making decisions. Some decisions aren't critical in the big scheme of things, for example, changing our hair colour or choosing what we are going to eat for lunch. But others are vital, like trying to decide which career path to follow or if we should marry Mr or Mrs “right.” These are the times we can't afford to make the wrong choice without risking loss, pain, or disappointment.
Maybe you are “wrestling” with a decision you need to make and find yourself tossing and turning in bed all night unable to sleep?
The good news is as Christians we don't have to remain “in the dark” concerning what to do.
Thankfully we can tap into resources God has provided for us. He wants to guide and help us in times of uncertainty or confusion. It is not His plan for us to ever feel overwhelmed and without clear direction forward.
God knows the solutions to the complicated situations we face.
God wants us to know what to do when we don't know what to do.
I recall facing a long list of questions and concerns when considering travelling interstate to attend university. During this season, I discovered five keys to making the right decisions, which I have referred to repeatedly with success since then.
1. ASK GOD FOR HIS GUIDANCE
At first glance, this step seems so obvious. But I know from experience how easy it is to slip into “worry mode” when faced with a challenge or decision, forgetting to immediately hand the situation over to God and asking Him for direction.
In Proverbs 3:5-6, God invites us to take a moment to “acknowledge” Him, i.e., turn our attention towards Him or tune into His leading when we are faced with a problem or need to make decisions.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely upon your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make clear your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
You were created to hear God's voice (John 10:3-5), and He wants to give you wisdom concerning your situation (James 1:5), no matter how complex.
Over the years, I have trained myself to ask God for his guidance, using a simple prayer like this, “Heavenly Father, I invite you into this situation I’m facing today. I ask you to give me wisdom and clarity concerning “X”. I don't know what to do, but I know you do. Help me and guide me via the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), to know what to do. I am confident you will make the path clear before me, because you have promised to do this in your Word.”
I started small, believing Him to lead me as I shopped for groceries or managed my spending wisely, growing to a place where I can follow His lead concerning more critical issues, like relocating or buying a home.
God wants to guide you today.
2. LET JESUS DO THE HEAVY LIFTING
I come from a long line of “worriers” and was raised to believe worry is “ok,” even worst at times an indication I was responsible and caring.
What a relief to finally discover God does not want us to worry or to carry problems. We don't have to live with anxiety or fear or live weighed down with what the Bible calls “cares.” He lovingly invites us to cast (release the weight off, throw off, let fly) our care troubles, anxieties, problems) over to Him.
Why is it important to have our worries and concerns over to God?
In Mark 4:19, Jesus tells us that cares, or worries chokes the word of God, literally “suffocating” His promises, hindering us receiving from Him.
He wants us to trust Him today (John 14:1), and to roll each care of our load on Him, i.e., anything which is “weighing us down” (Psalm 37:5).
3. TURN ON THE LIGHT
Our Heavenly Father loves us and has not planned for us to be “in the dark” when it comes to making the right choices for our lives.
What do we do if we enter a dark room? We turn on the light.
How do we “flick the switch” when making decisions?
In Psalm 119:105, we find a key to bringing light to our situation. God's word contains hundreds of promises covering every aspect of our lives.
As we spend time reading the Bible and thinking about it, we are “giving it entrance” (Psalm 119:130).
There have been many times in my life God has revealed to me what step I need to take via His Word.
4. SPEAK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST
Since my early teens, I have cultivated the habit of seeking advice from people I could trust when making the most important decisions of my life. Sometimes I met with a pastor or leader, while on other occasions, I shared my situation with a close family member or friend.
In Proverbs 24:6, God reveals it is a good idea to seek feedback, counsel, or advice from others.
Ultimately, we are the one who makes the decision, but it can help to discuss your options with someone else, often bringing clarity.
5. NEVER RUSH MAKING AN IMPORTANT DECISION
I heard the following while attending Bible School, “If it is right today, it will be right tomorrow.”
So simple, but true. It has helped me stay on track, not rushing to make decisions and avoid making wrong choices.
Sometimes we need to take time to pause and allow the Holy Spirit to show us which way to go.
Never be rushed into making decisions by people, circumstances or deadlines.
Another favourite saying concerning decision making is, “If it's not quite right, it's not right.”
God wants to lead us clearly along the right path and can provide a way out even when we make the wrong decision.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I choose today to believe You want me always to know what to do. I am so thankful I am never alone when facing a challenge or problem. I hand over all anxiety and worry concerning “X” and ask You to reveal to me what is the right decision to make, in Jesus’ Name.
Amen