Whether we face a life-altering decision or are simply making everyday choices, we long to discern God’s wisdom.
Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” So how do we know what steps to take?
While there is no simple formula to apply, we can call upon God for His guidance in every situation. The Bible gives us helpful spiritual tools and guidelines to follow.
Expectant prayer
Our first step toward discerning God’s wisdom is humbly seeking the Lord in prayer. Psalm 25:9 reminds us to pray for God’s guidance with humility: “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to set aside our own limited judgment. The writer says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
James 1:5-7 gives clear direction on how to pray for wisdom: “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. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
Through prayer, we lean upon God and depend on Him as we seek His will in every situation and decision. When we bow before the Lord in prayer, we realize our insufficiency and understand that God is the source of everything we need.
See also Philippians 4:6, Romans 8:26, Colossians 4:12.
God’s Word
Along with prayer, God offers guidance through the Bible. Scripture reveals that God promises to guide and provide wisdom to believers who seek and surrender to His leading. God always upholds His Word and never leads us on a path toward sin. Instead, God always directs us toward His righteous ways. Psalm 23:3b reminds us “he guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
See also 2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 4:12.
Wise Counselors
In seeking God’s direction for our lives, we are not alone. God provides wise counselors, leaders, and Christian friends to prayerfully offer wisdom. Seeking wise counsel can offer further confirmation of God’s direction after a time of earnest prayer and Bible study. Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors.”
See also Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 19:20-21, Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 28:26, 1 John 4:1.
Inward peace
When we take our need for wisdom to God in prayer, He often gives guidance through a settled inward peace. Conversely, an inward check or unsettledness should give us caution about proceeding. God’s way provides unexplainable peace, even when following His direction brings challenges.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
See also Romans 15:13, Romans 8:6, Psalm 29:11.
While we cannot fully know the mind of God, He delights to help us know the way we should walk in this life.