The decision-making process can be stressful and frustrating – even more so when you are trying to determine what God wants you to do. The Bible should be our first resource when making decisions. However, the Bible is not our only resource from God. God has also given us the leadership of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us once we become believers and guides us throughout our lives. We need to pray and seek the guidance of the Spirit when making decisions.
In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul writes, “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.” Paul is saying that if we come to God with everything in prayer, we can experience peace in the midst of life’s challenging decisions.
In John 16:12-15, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and says, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit. When we become believers, the Holy Spirit lives in us and guides us.
Let’s integrate these teachings into the right ways to use prayer and the Holy Spirit in decision making:
Prayer puts us in a posture of submission. When we come to God, we are reminded that He is our Father and we are His children. Prayer reminds us who is in charge. A powerful prayer life is characterized by an attitude of submission and humility.
Prayer moves God to change our circumstances. We go to God because He can change our circumstances. God hears the prayers of His children and He will actually do something!
Prayer must be anchored in Scripture. Jesus says if we ask for anything in His name He will do it. Prayer anchored in the character and work of God—as spelled out in the Bible—is always effective. Conversely, we don’t even need to pray about something that God clearly prohibits. If someone wants you to rob a bank with them – no prayer necessary! The Bible clearly says, “Thou shalt not steal.”
Prayer declares that we humbly accept God’s answer. This one is hard. When root our prayer in God’s Word and submit to Him, we realize that sometimes God will not change our circumstances. He might say “no” or “wait.” God knows things that we cannot see. We need to be ready to humbly accept an answer other than “yes.”
The Holy Spirit has a role. The Holy Spirit’s primary role is to help us understand the Bible. The Spirit is here to teach us to think, do, and live the way Jesus would teach us if He were physically present.
Godly decision making culminates in surrender. When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked God if there was any other way. He was afraid, looking for another way besides His crucifixion. Ultimately He says, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” He surrendered to the will of the Father. Can we surrender to God’s will when it comes to making life’s decisions?