When You Need to Make Decisions

When you need to make decisions, how do you decide what to do? How do you continue in a way that will honor God? These are important things to consider before making a final decision. We are faced with thousands of choices each day, most of them small and uneventful.

But some of our decisions can be life-altering, and that’s when we need help. The Bible offers us lots of guidance on decision-making, and here are several verses to consider when you are making decisions.

The Best Bible Verses for Decision Making

Here are some key verses to consider when you need to make decisions:

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. – Psalm 119:105

Whether you are making a small or large decision, the first place to turn is God’s Word. If you read the Bible daily, the Holy Spirit will instruct you, using Bible stories and teachings. He may also use books, podcasts, sermons, blog posts, or other materials to help you make decisions. Be open to God’s teaching through whatever he decides to use in your situation.

Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow. – Psalm 5:8

When you are in decision-making mode, pray specifically for God to direct you in the path He wants for you. Pray that he will make it clear and that he will give you peace about your decision. Don’t move forward unless you have his peace.

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. – Philippians 4:6

Making decisions can be stressful. You may be tempted to worry about whether you are going ahead in the right way. You may even worry if there is a solution you haven’t even considered. Apply this verse every time you are tempted to worry. Lift up your concern to the Lord, again and again, thanking him in advance for what he already has prepared for you.

You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows to him. You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you. If people are in trouble and you say, ‘Help them,’ God will save them. – Job 22:27-29

Remember that God hears every prayer you utter over the decision you need to make. He wants you to succeed so that you can shine his glory into the world. Simply ask him for help, and he will show you the way as you walk in obedience with him.

They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. – Exodus 18:22

You may be in a situation where you can delegate decision-making to others. Perhaps you need to offload some of your responsibilities onto a team of qualified people, so you can work at a higher level of competence. An experienced Christian counselor can advise you in areas of personal development like this one.

When Hezekiah realized that Sennacherib also intended to attack Jerusalem, he consulted with his officials and military advisers, and they decided to stop the flow of the springs outside the city. – 2 Chronicles 32:2-3

The Bible repeatedly shows us examples of involving others in our decision-making. When you consult with trusted friends, family, or colleagues before making a decision, they can give valuable perspectives you can’t reach on your own. Make a list of at least three people with whom you can consult before making a crucial decision and meet with each of them before moving forward.

It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. – Romans 14:21-23

We need to carefully consider what consequences our decisions have on other people. If you are a spouse, how will your decisions affect your marriage? If you are a parent, what impact will your decision have on your children? What changes will your decision have on your team as a manager, or in your church as a leader? It’s important to get in touch with your convictions, so you can make the best possible decision for all involved. A Christian counselor can help you do this.

My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide…For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due. – 1 Corinthians 4:4-5

This passage reminds us to hold our plans loosely. Even if we are fully convinced that we are right, we still need to be open to God’s direction. Pray that God will expose any blind spots you may have in the matter and humbly accept his correction, so your conscience can be truly clean when you make your decision.

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

This passage applies specifically to giving to the church. But we can also make a broader application for decision making. Are you saying yes to something out of unhealthy obligation? Will your yes cause you to build up resentment? Your counselor can help you make a choice that you can live with that doesn’t cause you more pain.

Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny. – Ecclesiastes 6:10

Ultimately, God already knows what you will decide. This knowledge can give you peace in your decision-making. If you are walking according to His revealed will, He will use every decision you make for your ultimate good and His glory (see Romans 8:28).

Christian Counseling for Decision Making

These verses can guide you when you are faced with major decisions. But you may also need someone to come alongside you and help you think through your decisions. That’s when a caring Christian counselor can be a significant help to you.

The counseling team at Thousand Oaks Christian Counseling has helped many people make wise, informed decisions. We can help you sort through all aspects of your situation so you can arrive at a peaceful decision. Give us a call today to set up your first appointment.