Is it possible to get better at trusting God in making decisions? Does God care about every decision you make? When making decisions, can you learn to release control and believe God will guide you? When making decisions is there more than one choice that could be right?
Most of us probably ask ourselves these questions, especially when making a decision, and we all make decisions—all of the time.
There are situations where we make decisions easily and automatically but other situations require time and analysis. Some of us love decision-making while others avoid making even the simplest of decisions.
I don’t ask God about every decision, although some people do. But there are many opportunities to practice trusting God in making decisions.
Recently while renovating a bathroom, making decisions took center stage. Who would think that picking a white paint color for my cabinets required thorough analysis and way too much time? (I may have become a little too invested in the process!)
I don’t think God cares what color I choose for my cabinets, but maybe He does! Making these types of decisions is fun for me.
Where I tend to get stuck trusting God in making decisions is when there is more at stake with significant consequences.
What about you? Do you enjoy decision-making? Do you pray about your decisions? Is it easy to trust God in making decisions?
The Bible says God loves and cares deeply about every part of us. Trusting God in making decisions always leads to the best outcome.
“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 3:5-6 MSG
How to Make Godly Decisions
Because decision-making requires sifting through opinions and choices, we won’t agree on how to make Godly decisions in every situation.
However, you can focus on your own decisions and help those around you when asked.
“When making a decision, we form opinions and choose actions via mental processes which are influenced by biases, reason, emotions, and memories. The simple act of deciding supports the notion that we have free will.
We weigh the benefits and costs of our choice, and then we cope with the consequences.
Factors that limit the ability to make good decisions include missing or incomplete information, urgent deadlines, and limited physical or emotional resources.”
When learning how to make Godly decisions, it is important to learn how to harness fear. Fear serves a valuable purpose in decision-making to keep us safe from harm.
But too often fear is the only reason we say no to choices that may be right for us.
One of the ways to address fear is to ask yourself if fear of an outcome is the only reason you are saying no.
Asking God and others for guidance can trump the power fear has over you and help you trust God in making decisions.
3 Ways to Make Godly Decisions:
- The choice is clear and you feel confident making a decision.
Sometimes you get complete clarity when making a decision.
When my husband and I had been married for a couple of years, I had to decide between a new career or starting a family. I did not have the emotional resources to launch both at the same time. I began praying for God to guide me and direct my path. One day while driving, I felt a strong sense of peace to start a family and put the career move on hold for a while.
I still remember the strong sense of God’s presence guiding that decision, and the choice became clear.
A feeling of complete confidence and peace when making decisions does not always happen but when it does, trusting God in making decisions seems easier.
- The choice is muddled or hazy so you postpone making a decision.
Sometimes you can’t find peace when making a decision and have to wait.
My husband called from the car dealership, “I found the perfect car!”. As he began to explain the fancy features of the blue SUV, I became excited too. However, after further analysis, we realized the car had too much mileage for the price. We had just started searching for a car replacement and had time to decide. We asked questions, analyzed data, and decided to wait. Eventually, we found a much better match.
Many decisions require us to wait even when we don’t want to. But if we feel unease, don’t have a clear direction, and can wait to decide, it may be the best way to trust God in making decisions.
- The choice is unclear and you have to decide before you are ready.
Sometimes you are required to make a decision and jump in trusting God with the outcome.
You partner with faith and logic so you can make the best decision. You manage your emotions and make the best choice with the information you have at the time.
Unfortunately, when making decisions, unknowns often surround your choices; a quick decision has to be made and you feel unconfident with the choice and the changes.
But moving forward aware of your own weakness is when trusting God in making decisions is important. This is when your faith grows and you become aware of God’s abiding presence.
As the taxi pulled up to the curb the driver smiled and said, “Hop in ladies, where are you headed?” Most New Yorkers would probably not think twice about jumping in, but my friend and I were visitors headed to the airport and very unsure of this decision. We hesitantly jumped in because we had to catch our flight and knew the traffic in Manhattan could cause delays.
Aretha Franklin’s “Freeway of Love” blared as we sped through the streets. We gripped the vinyl seats as our chauffeur cheerily hummed and used the lyrics, “Drop the pedal, let’s go” as his theme song. We let out a sigh of relief when we reached the airport safely; it had never looked as welcoming as it did that day.
We decided before we were ready and trusted God would protect us; He did and we will forever be reminded when we hear that classic song of a crazy ride through the streets of New York City!
When you ask God to help you make the best decision under the circumstances, you have to surrender, step out in faith, and decide.
You make what you think is the best choice knowing that if you make a mistake, God is beside you and will help redeem the consequences.
Trusting God redeems mistakes will encourage you and others to live out in faith and not in fear.
If you do not become a courageous decision-maker, you will become confused, discouraged, and struggle to live out your identity in Christ.
How do I Ask God to Make the Right Decision
When wondering how do I ask God to make the right decision, three helpful steps are prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking advice from wise people.
These steps are particularly significant when a big decision is weighing on your spirit.
Following a process of prayer, reading scripture, and seeking counsel will help you trust God in making decisions.
3 Ways to Ask God to Make the Right Decision:
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Pray When Making a Decision
We can pray specifically to make the best decision. When making decisions we can ask God to reveal the right decision through a sense of peace, or a confirmation of some kind.
Confirmation can come in many ways but is usually paired with the next two steps; scripture and wise counsel. Sometimes the choice is made clear but other times the best choice is to wait.
“This is God’s Message, the God who made the earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.”
Jeremiah 33:3 MSG
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
Philippians 4:6-7 MSG
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Read Scripture When Making a Decision
Reading scripture when making decisions brings peace. We can read specific verses about seeking guidance on a decision, read how others made decisions, or immerse ourselves in comforting and encouraging scripture.
Either way, God is available to speak to us through His words.
“True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God’s Word stands firm and forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 MSG
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Seek Advice When Making a Decision
When seeking advice, it is important to get counsel from the right people. Who are the right people? People who live a life honoring God and demonstrate the fruit of the spirit.
People who provide an unbiased perspective. People who care about what is the best decision for you without an agenda or manipulation of the outcome.
Ultimately, we must weigh our choices, decide, and not just follow what others do or tell us to do.
In Job’s prayer, he beautifully summarizes why God is the best place for advice:
“You told me to listen while you spoke and to try to answer your questions. In the past, I knew only what others had told me, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”
Job 42:4-5 GNT
On the flip side, when we observe others making decisions, it is tempting to insert our opinions even when we are not asked.
With our spouse, children, and close friends it is particularly difficult to consult without control.
But boundaries are important when trusting God in making decisions for everyone involved.
We cannot know every side of a decision except when the decision is ours and even then we may not know everything.
But when we are confident in our identity in Christ we have the strength and peace to ask God to help us make the right decision.
“Without good direction, people lose their way; the wiser counsel you follow, the better your chances.”
Proverbs 11:14 MSG
Examples of Decision Making in the Bible
The Bible is filled with stories of people for us to learn from. I love reading the Bible and watching how characters in the Bible tackled trusting God in making decisions.
Here are three examples of decision-making in the Bible that give us insight into how to trust God in making decisions.
The Story of the Prodigal Son
The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 features three characters who had to make decisions; a father and his two sons.
Similarly, in our lives, many of our decisions weave amongst others. Rarely does making a decision impact only one person.
“Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’
So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.”
It is safe to assume that the younger son was not trusting God in making decisions. Once he squandered his wealth, he returned home to face his father.
It is also safe to assume that the father was trusting God in making decisions when he chose to forgive and welcome home his wayward son.
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”
The older brother was discouraged and disillusioned but had to decide if he would forgive his brother and his father. I can understand his anger but Jesus’ point in telling this story is forgiveness and acceptance are decisions you make despite what you think is fair or justified.
“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends.”
Trusting God in making decisions does not always make us feel happy or vindicated but Godly decisions bring peace, draw us closer to Jesus and enrich our lives. When we honor God with our decisions, He is faithful.
The Story of Gideon
I love the story of Gideon in Judges 6-8. It is the tale of a timid ruler and prophet who accomplished extraordinary things because he trusted God in making decisions.
Gideon sought God during every step of fulfilling his call to lead the Israelites into battle against the Midianites.
He decided to be obedient and trust God that 300 men were enough to achieve victory against an extremely powerful Midianite army.
“The Lord told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.”
So Gideon collected the provisions and rams’ horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him.”
Gideon prayed fervently through his crisis, listened to God, and bowed in worship.
“I had this dream, and in my dream, a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!
“His companion answered, “Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!” When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord.”
Gideon decided to remain calm, humble and focused on his purpose regardless of what others said or tried to persuade him to do.
“But Gideon replied, “What have I accomplished compared to you? Aren’t even the leftover grapes of Ephraim’s harvest better than the entire crop of my little clan of Abiezer? God gave you victory over Oreb and Zeeb, the commanders of the Midianite army.
What have I accomplished compared to that?” When the men of Ephraim heard Gideon’s answer, their anger subsided. Gideon then crossed the Jordan River with his 300 men, and though exhausted, they continued to chase the enemy.”
Although Gideon sought God’s guidance and prompting for each step and obeyed the call, he probably did many things afraid.
Isn’t that how it is for us too? We feel confident in our choice but are afraid to proceed. Trusting God in making decisions strengthens our resolve and helps us face obstacles courageously.
The Story of David and Goliath
The story of David and Goliath is a favorite bible story; how a small shepherd boy conquers a threatening giant and saves a nation.
But David had to make three important decisions. You can read the full story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.
How David trusted God in making decisions:
- David decided to listen and obey his father and approach the battle zone.
“Early in the morning, David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up, and set out, as Jesse had directed.”
- David decided to fight the giant using his gifts.
David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”
- David decided to analyze the situation, figure out the best course of action to proceed, and confidently speak up.
“I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag, and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”
These were huge decisions for a young boy to make but each decision serves as a model for us when we are trusting God in making decisions.
We can listen to God, approach our decision cautiously, and not be swayed by feelings of vulnerability and fear.
Scriptures for Making Decisions
There are many scriptures for making decisions that you can meditate on especially if you don’t have clarity making a decision.
Scripture is a powerful way God speaks to us. Reading the Bible is a critical element to know how and when to make decisions.
10 Scriptures to Help You Trusting God in Making Decisions:
- Psalm 32:8 TLB
I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress.
- Proverbs 3:4-5 TLB
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.
- Proverbs 13:20 MSG
Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
- Proverbs 12:15 NLV
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to good teaching.
- Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
- Proverbs 15:22 MSG
Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed.
- Jerimiah 29:11 TLB
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and hope.
- James 1:5-8 MSG
If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
- James 3:17 AMP
But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile].
- 1 John 5:14 NLT
And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.
Trusting God in Making Decisions
Trusting God in making decisions is difficult because we naturally want to maintain control and not be left out by our choices.
But trusting God in making decisions grows as your faith strengthens. As your trust grows in who God says He is, what He can do, and who God says you are, you learn to release the grip on the unknowns that surround decision-making.
We learn that trusting God in making decisions is far superior to decisions fueled by emotion and random sources. Our voices are powerful so what we say and what we hear have a profound impact on us.
How are you trusting God in making decisions? It is not always easy but it is the best way to persevere, move forward, and on purpose in our lives.
Author
Mary Rooney Armand
Mary is the creator and writer for the faith-based blog ButterflyLiving.org. Her writing is featured on multiple websites. She is the author of the book, “Identity, Understanding, and Accepting Who I Am in Christ” and Life Changing Stories. a collaboration with 34 authors available on Amazon.
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Great steps. When I have to make a choice in a hurry even though I may be uncertain, I am so thankful to have a relationship with God to use discernment through knowing His character and word, as well as knowing how he designed me as a person to help in those decisions.
Arris, Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
I have wrestled with indecision but never wanted to be double minded, I do believe it is better to wait until you have His peace about many decisions.
Rebecca, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
I waited on God for certain things and when they happened there was amazing deliverance- I believe this is because I waited. The world and even some Christians do not understand those who wait on the Lord. God is on a different time plan and we walk an alternative path which is often misunderstood. But when its God’s perfect timing there is no stopping Him and it is beyond words when He does deliver.
However I often find it hard to make small decisions too- I have heard and read on Christian sites etc that God gives us a brain to make certain decisions ourselves- however this is really a weakness of mine as I struggle with fear and self-doubt it has left me in a state of analysis paralysis quite a lot during my life, unemployed etc and fearful- in my case I wish God would lead me in the small decisions too. I just get so stuck. Pray for me please.
God bless
Theodora, thank you for sharing your heart and I pray God will guide you as you continue to make decisions. We appreciate you taking the time to read our words and may you continue to be blessed by your trust in God!
A.R. Accola
I have two decisions in my life. One is I am 12 appointments away from my final radiation treatment for prostate cancer. I have prayed and am confident in receiving healing from God. Second, I have to renew my car lease which will have an effect on my finances. And third, I have lifted up a prayer for producing a Worldwide Christmas Special featuring 2 celebrity co-hosts and 10 international vocal groups for international broadcast. The special will uplift God with carols from these Acappella groups. God has given me a wonderful life and I want to give back to God and the people who have been part of my life story. Praise God and Jesus!
I pray your final treatments bring complete healing, and may God guide your other decisions and lead you by His wisdom! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, thank you for your post , it helped me a lot on truly understanding God and our personal relationship with Him. I have two major decisions to make and I found that with one decision it’s the more ‘safer’ and ‘secure’ option with direction but with the other it’s less certain with direction and it takes a leap of faith and requires a more full dependence and trust on God.
With me I tend to fall between either instant decisions through prayer of discernment and what feels right and peaceful or with longer decisions, where I wait on God for more time and confirmation before I make a final decision, so I’m not leaning on my own understanding.
What I’ve also realised when reading this post is that when it comes to decisions, trusting God is very key personally because God could tell you to take plan A but with another person in a similar situation to you he could tell them to take plan B, so it’s very important to look at God and trust and remember that he has the right plan specifically for you and tailored to you, for his Glory.
Many Thanks again for the post and I pray that God continues to bless and grow your ministry x
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I love when the words God gives me help others! May you continue to trust God with your decisions, and I pray you find direction and clarity in His wisdom. Blessings!
Decisions may look like Specific picture of what comes to mind. Once we have details of what God wants us to do. We will have the best result. However if for one reason we change the arrangement, it may affect other things. It’s better we follow the instructions when carrying out the picture of details as it’s written in the Bible. In Genesis 7 when God told Noah to build and Ark and gave him details of all the animals to invite. One thing, I have learned from God is this, once He give to you a picture of details, and you follow it, you will never be disappointed or regret after making the decision. So as Mary has taught us, we must pray and read God’s word and seek wise counsel before making decision. Thanks Mary. I am so blessed reading this master piece.
Oladipupo Sweetvine Daniel
Lagos, Nigeria
Thank you for reading and adding your wisdom. Many blessings!
Hello,
thank you for this article.
This the first time in my life I have had difficulties to make decision. Every door that God opens is confusing or I ask myself if it’s really from God. Or if I am being tested. I haven’t figured out how to listen to God, even by reading the Bible. But I am trying. I have been waiting my whole life. But now it’s a life decision for me. I truly hope he will answer me clearly, because sometimes it feels rather dark, lonely or even hopeless and crazy. I don’t know how to truly hear God and his will for me
I pray God will continue to reveal Himself to you. Whatever decision you ultimately make, know that God will walk beside you either way. Sometimes we need to wait to make a decision but sometimes I struggle with “analysis paralysis”. There are many times I had to make the choice with the most peace and trust God with the consequences. Don’t give up, He is right beside you. Thanks for reading and God bless you!
I think the “analysis paralysis” part already kicked in with me. “do I make the desicions or God?” “was this God or my imagination?” “is this the devil or is it from God?” “does God want me to overcome my fears and jump or should I be warned?” “yes or no?” “give me a sign”…… It’s overwhelming..
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I am at the point in my life where, I am confused about what to choose and what decision is right for me. I trust god and truly believe whatever decision i am going to take is best and guided by God only.
I am the midst of making decisions. For one I need to make very soon, I am trying to discern what I believe is from the Lord. This decision affects others, so I want to make sure I am doing what the Lord is leading me to.
Bethany, praying for wisdom as you navigate the process of making your decision. May God lead you and walk beside you!