Decision-making is an intrinsic part of our daily lives. One of the many beautiful aspects of being made in the image of God (Imago Dei) is the ability to reason and make choices. From mundane choices to life-altering decisions, each step requires discernment and wisdom. Now, I’m not saying that every mundane decision needs to be overanalyzed, but when the biblical foundation of decision-making is laid, making daily decisions—both big and small—becomes easier to navigate.
When faced with making decisions, we can look inward or upward. In this post, we will uncover the pillars of biblical decision-making:
- What the Bible shows about decision-making.
- How to seek God’s guidance for making decisions.
- How to make decisions that honor God
- The basic steps of biblical decision-making
- Scriptures for decision-making and
- Prayers for making decisions
What Does the Bible Say About Making Decisions?
Adam and Eve’s Choice In the Garden
Scripture is full of stories of men and women presented with a choice. One of the most well-known, considering we all face the consequences of this decision, is found in Genesis 3. Living in the middle of perfection, surrounded by the glory of God, and abiding in His peaceful presence, Eve chose the one thing she didn’t have—to be like God. Being made in the image of God was not enough; she wanted to be like God. Through this story of a bad decision, we see:
- Today’s decisions are an investment (whether good or bad) in eternity. Though a choice may appear small and insignificant—like eating a piece of fruit—it can have lasting consequences.
- Choosing our “wants” over God’s word will always lead us from God’s peace and presence. The very thing Eve so desperately wanted—opened eyes—was the very thing that brought the shame of nakedness and fear of God.
- The enemy’s cunning craftiness used to bait people from the will of God. Satan used and continues to use half-truths to question, change, and deny God’s word, creating uncertainty, distrust, and confusion.
- We must know and listen to what God has said in His Word to avoid poor choices. Eve listened to the voice of the serpent, and Adam listened to the voice of Eve, but neither listened to the already spoken word of God.
- God’s prohibitions are for our protection. Doubt of God’s word creates an exaggerated view of God’s commands and a minimized view of our consequences.
Decisions shape our destinations. Every choice, whether significant or trivial, influences our journey. Understanding the importance of biblical decision-making underscores the necessity of seeking God’s guidance to ensure our paths align with His purpose.
Basic Steps of Making a Decision
Before we discuss how to seek God’s guidance for making decisions, let’s discuss the series of essential steps that guide you toward a God-fueled, informed choice. At each crossroads, there are a few questions to ask.
Step 1 | Define
The first step is to define the decision you need to make clearly. To define a decision, understand the issue or choice at hand. Start with broad questions to frame the decision. Here are some key questions to consider:
- What is the core problem or opportunity and the desired outcome? Identify the primary issue or possibility that requires a decision. Clarifying this will help focus your prayers, efforts, and resources effectively.
- Who will be affected by this decision? Understanding why a decision is important to you, your family, your faith, your work, and/or your community is crucial. Three key areas to define are:
- Faith Alignment: Aligning decisions with your faith ensures that your choices reflect God’s principles and your moral compass. This brings peace of mind and a sense of fulfillment. Ultimately, you’re asking yourself if this decision honors God.
- Family Considerations: Decisions often have ripple effects on your loved ones. Evaluating the impact on your family ensures that you consider their well-being, stability, and wholeness. This perspective fosters stronger relationships and supports a harmonious family life.
- Personal Impact: Recognizing the significance of a decision helps clarify one’s values and priorities. It ensures that one’s choices align with one’s long-term goals and Christ-like growth.
RELATED: There are several core areas found in Scripture on decision-making. This blog post, “At the Crossroads—Making Christ-Centered Choices,” includes a FREE in-depth bible study to help guide you through the complexities.
Step 2 | Gather
Next, gather all pertinent information. Only decide with all of the facts. Research, consult with Godly advisors, and collect data to help you understand your options thoroughly. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” By counting the cost, we make informed decisions that account for all potential outcomes and implications. Take the time to gather any information you need to make a God-infused choice.
During this step, assess:
- Are there any Godly versus fleshly desires that influence your decision? Left to our desires, our flesh leads us astray. Past experiences and other external factors can persuade us to “follow our hearts,” driving us down a one-way road to destruction. God’s desires and ways are always pure, long-lasting, and life-giving. Proverbs 16:2 reminds us that our ways may seem clean, pure, and right in our own eyes, but God weighs the true motives of the heart. So, that’s where we should begin “gathering.”
- What are the potential risks and benefits? Consider short-term and long-term consequences to ensure a balanced perspective. Weigh all the pros and cons.
- What are the constraints and limitations? Identify any restrictions, such as time, resources, or external factors that may impact your decision. Understanding these constraints will help you evaluate your options realistically.
- Do I need additional information or advice? Determine if more research or advice is needed. Sometimes, gathering more data or seeking counsel from others can provide new insights.
Step 3 | Evaluate
After you have gathered the necessary information, identify possible alternatives. List all viable options, considering the pros and cons of each. Evaluate each alternative based on the information you have collected, considering the potential outcomes and impacts. This step requires careful analysis, critical thinking, and, most importantly, prayer.
- What are the possible alternatives? List all potential options available. Consider both obvious and less apparent choices, as this broadens the scope of possible solutions.
Step 4 | Act
Once you have weighed the evidence and feel God’s leading, choose the best route. This decision should align with your goals and the information you have evaluated. After making the choice, take action. Implement the decision confidently, knowing you have considered all aspects.
Step 5 | Reflect
It’s always a good idea to reflect on your decision and its consequences. Reflect on the process, what you learned, and how you saw God move and answer. Keeping a written record increases your trust in God and reminds you of His faithfulness. This will improve your decision-making skills for the future and help avoid decision fatigue.
Now that we’ve considered the steps, let’s turn our attention to…
How To Seek God’s Guidance for Making Decisions
If you’re in the middle of a hard decision, you might be asking yourself, “How do I know if God wants me to do something or not?” “How do I know if a decision is from God?” “How do I know God’s will when making a decision?” Begin by praying for clarity and wisdom. We aren’t meant to navigate life’s challenges alone; God designed us to live in fellowship with Him, trusting His plan, resting in His wisdom, and yielding a fruitful life. As you seek to know God’s will, these truths and scriptures on decision-making will help.
RELATED: For more about seeking God, be sure to read this post on “10 Promises of Seeking God.”
Seek God’s Guidance Through Trusting Him
Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not rely on our own understanding. This foundational trust forms the bedrock of Godly decision-making. By acknowledging God in all our ways, we invite His guidance into every aspect of our decision-making process, ensuring His wisdom directs our paths. Proverbs 16:9 highlights the contrast between human plans and God’s direction, emphasizing that while we may plan our course, the Lord establishes our steps. Recognizing God’s sovereignty in our planning ensures that our steps are firmly grounded in His purpose.
RELATED: For Bible passages about trusting God, check out this post on “31 Bible Verses About Trusting God.”
Seek God’s Guidance through Scripture
Second Timothy 3:16 reminds us that God’s word is alive and active and used for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training. Soaking our mind in Scripture for decision-making aligns our thoughts with His and helps us set immovable “Godrails” to guide us along the curvy decision-making path. Allowing His Word to guide your feet illuminates the unknown path ahead with clarity and confidence in where He’s leading.
RELATED: God’s word has many benefits. Here’s a post about “Standing On The Power of God’s Word.”
Seek God’s Guidance Through His Wisdom
Wisdom found in the world is weak and waning and will always leave us wandering and wanting. However, when we ask for wisdom in faith, we can be confident that God will provide the insight we need to make sound decisions. James 1:5 encourages us to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. This promise assures us that God will impart His wisdom to guide our choices.
Seek God’s Guidance Through Surrender
As hard as it may be to surrender our desires and release our outcome to Him, this is the only choice leading to life. After all, He knows the plans He has for you. In James 4:7-8, we read Submit yourselves, then, to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. In this one sentence, we have the battle plan. God is a God of order, including the order in which things are written.
SUBMIT to God, RESIST the devil, he will FLEE.
Submit—abide in His presence; agree with His ways; bend our desires and “rights,” and surrender our outcome to Him before we can…
Resist—withstand the enemy’s darts of deception; oppose his doubtful blows; refuse his lies, and choose the right path.
The word “submit” is used in military terms to mean “to arrange troop divisions in a military fashion under the command of a leader.” Friends, we must militarily organize our lives under our Commander in Chief. When we do, we receive Good Shepherd’s direction, wisdom, and strength.
RELATED: Check out this post on Scripture For Finding Rest While Waiting On the Lord.
Seek God’s Guidance Through Counsel
While we should never base our life decisions solely on the advice of others, we should seek Godly counsel. God established friends and the church to provide encouragement and different perspectives. I can’t stress Godly enough; we are bombarded with fleshly opinions and worldly thoughts daily. Proverbs 11:14 underscores that surrounding ourselves with wise counsel ensures that our decisions are well-informed and balanced. For example, the intentions of an unbelieving friend may be sound—they cannot offer martial advice from a biblical perspective. Be careful as to who you allow to speak into your life decisions. Bad company ruins good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Seek God’s Guidance Through Peace
God will never lead you to do anything that contradicts His word. By allowing Christ’s peace to guide us, we make decisions that foster harmony. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving. As we entrust our decisions to God, we receive His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
RELATED: You might benefit from Being Steered By The Savior, Not Pushed By The Problem
Seek God’s Guidance Through Prayer
PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. A decision bathed in prayer and saturated in surrender will surely prevail.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). So, if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5). He will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; He will counsel you with His eye upon you (Psalm 32:8).
RELATED: For a detailed study on prayer, including many verses, check out these posts: “Learn How To Pray With These Powerful Keys | 80 Bible Verses On Prayer”, “How To Create A Prayer Strategy Plan,” and “Free Bible Study Workbook on How to Be Still and Pray.”
Prayer For Making a Decision
Father, I come to Your throne of grace in my time of need. While facing this decision, I don’t want to make it prematurely or out of wrong or uninformed motives. As my Good Shepherd, I ask that You lead me to the pasture of Your choice. Guard my heart from selfish desires that don’t align with Your word, will, and way. As I renew my mind with Your word, enable me to discern Your good, pleasing, and perfect will so that whether I turn to the left or the right, I hear Your voice directing me down the right path. Help me seek Your kingdom and righteousness during this process to honor and reflect Your values. Let my steps be established by You. With every step, let me walk wisely and make the most of every opportunity to please You and discern Your will fully. In Jesus’ name, I surrender this choice to Your decision. Amen!
Scriptures for Decision-Making
While Scripture on decision-making has been sprinkled throughout this post, having a compiled list’s always an excellent idea. I’ve tried to categorize them so they can be meditated upon and used in prayer.
Heart Posture Scriptures For Biblical Decision-Making
- Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
- Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
- There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12
- So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
- But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
- And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
- I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind so that by testing, you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
- Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14
- Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17
- So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13
God’s Sovereignty Over All Decisions
- The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
- And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
- Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
- Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2
Seeking Godly Counsel for Making Decisions
- Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety. Proverbs 11:14
- The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15
- An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Proverbs 18:15
- Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
- Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
Praying For Godly Wisdom and Direction
- Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3
- And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he will hear us. 1 John 5:14
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4
- If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6
- Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
God’s Assurance of Guidance
- And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
- For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
- A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-4
- I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8
- For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
- Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
By understanding the basic steps of biblical decision-making and relying on Scripture, we discover the wisdom and direction offered in Scripture. Seeking God’s guidance ensures our choices align with His will, while honoring Him through our decisions brings peace and assurance.
The Role Of God’s Word for Decision-Making
- Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
- But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
- Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. Psalm 25:12
- All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness… 2 Timothy 3:16
- The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.Psalm 19:8
- The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. Psalm 19:7-9
God’s Sovereignty Over All Decisions
God’s Sovereignty Over All Decisions- The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
- And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
- Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
- Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2
Seeking Godly Counsel for Making Decisions
- Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14
- The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15
- An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Proverbs 18:15
- Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
- Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
Praying For Godly Wisdom and Direction
- Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3
- And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4
- If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6
- Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
God’s Assurance of Guidance
- And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
- For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
- A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-4
- I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8
- For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
- Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
By understanding the basic steps of biblical decision-making and relying on scriptures for decision-making we discover the wisdom and direction offered in scripture. Seeking God’s guidance ensures our choices align with His will, while honoring Him through our decisions brings peace and assurance.
The “Wisdom And Discernment” Scripture card set contains 10 verses to strengthen your faith and remind you that “His ways are perfect, His plans do not fail, and He gives wisdom generously.” So grab these scriptures on decision-making for yourself or someone you know who desires Godly wisdom and needs a little discernment. May He fill you with all understanding and make your path straight!
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