Making Decisions

I think we can all agree that a day doesn’t go by without us having to make decisions – it’s just a part of life.  They aren’t always big monumental decisions, but sometimes even what appears to be a small decision can have a big impact – or not.

Everyday things like what to eat and what clothes to wear may not require a lot of thought or a need to call on God for help.  But I believe that there are many things we should take more seriously and seek help before making that choice.  It’s just too easy to move through life on our own power without considering the difference some divine guidance might provide.

Proverbs 3:4-6 (TLB) says this:  “If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” 

I’ll give you a personal example of what was likely a poor decision made when I didn’t seek God’s guidance.  A few years ago I decided that I’d like to trade my car in for a newer car – not brand new, just newer.  I had been interested in a particular brand so I went to that dealership to see what they had.  They didn’t have the specific model I had wanted, but they had a car on the lot that was low mileage, very clean & priced reasonably – plus they gave me a very generous offer for my car.  (I had done my homework to see what the trade-in value was for my car.)     

Instead of telling them I needed a little time to think it over, coming home and praying about it for a day or two, I just jumped in & got that car.  I have wondered a lot since then if I made a poor decision and that if I’d taken my time & prayed I would’ve been better off.  It’s been a great car and I still really like it – BUT, I didn’t take into consideration how a car that’s equipped with every bell & whistle will have much higher insurance costs and that doesn’t moderate much (if at all) with the aging of the car.  So, my impulsive decision – which may not have been the way I’d gone if I’d done things as I should’ve – is costing me to this day.   

In reality, I should’ve known better than to act on a whim like that – I should’ve used good judgment & common sense & NOT trusted myself.  If I’d waited, I probably could’ve ended up with the model I really wanted, with fewer expensive options and consequently a lower long-term cost.

“All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding.”  (Proverbs 2:6 CEV)

It’s really easy to let our emotions move us to do things out-of-order, or give in to peer pressure then make poor decisions without seeking guidance & wisdom.   

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.  Don’t assume that you know it all.  Run to God!”  (Proverbs 3:5-7a MSG)

Every day during my morning quiet time I pray this prayer:  “I want to have the mind of Christ & all the Godly wisdom that offers to me.  I disavow my own wisdom & lean on God’s wisdom for all decisions I need to make today.”  I based this prayer on 1 Corinthians 2:16 – “But, strange as it seems, we Christians actually do have within us a portion of the very thoughts and mind of Christ.”  (TLB)  My hope is that by making this a daily request to God that He’ll help me be wiser when it comes to the more important daily decisions I face & I won’t be inclined to jump out ahead of Him & make a mistake.

I hope you’ll take all these things into consideration as you move about your life and that it will help you to make wise, God-centered, God-directed decisions.

Written by Karran Martin – January 13, 2024

[All bold emphasis is mine]