God’s Guidance: A Prayer for Making Decisions

God’s guidance

When I first became a Christian, it was right before going off to college. So I had a lot of decision making to do about my life. I had fully surrendered my life to Christ, and laid all my desires down at His feet. What I wanted most was whatever He wanted for me, trusting His plans for me are good!

And, yes, a surrendered spirit is a good and healthy place to live from.

But what I hadn’t learned yet was that the Lord wasn’t looking for a doormat Bride with no opinions and no desires of her own. He enjoys when we operate in the free will He gave us, freely choosing to love and give and serve and live life to the fullest.

freedom and healthy relationship

It’s a beautiful relationship where sometimes, yes, He asks us to trust Him with blind faith not knowing why he’s asking us to do something. Other times, He’s like … “They’re both good options. So you choose!” (If there’s any legalism sneaking around in your heart still, then I’m willing to bet that last sentence just made your insides curdle.) But it’s true.

Jesus came and died and conquered death for our FREEDOM, not to control us. He gave up His life to love and heal us, not to control us.

God delights in freedom

God relinquished control on the day of creation where He gave His people the gift of making their own choices. He gave them the option of trusting Him and not eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He gave them free will. Because He is not a controlling nor manipulative Father.

God is a Father who delights to give His children choices and delights even more when we make a good one. And He is Father who offers grace when His kids mess it up because He knows that messing it up is part of what will mature His children this side of heaven.

Bible verses on decision making

In college, when I was trying to sort all this out with the Lord, I came across a few verses that really helped me visualize how our decision-making process works as a Christian. These verses helped me get more comfortable in the mystery that He gives us so much freedom sometimes and yet other times asks us to do something very specific and operate in crazy obedience that doesn’t make sense.

many are the plans

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. What is desired in a man is steadfast love.”

Proverbs 19: 21-22

I like this one because the first sentence rhymes so it was easier to memorize. I also like this because it helps me trust that even if I conjure up my own plans, ultimately God’s purposes will prevail. That’s a sigh of relief, because ultimately, that’s what I want! His kingdom to come and His will to be done!

“I also like this verse because it shows me God’s heart for me as I’m making my decisions… to operate in steadfast love. It’s kind of like, turn left or turn right, it’s ok. Just walk in steadfast love. Eat Mexican or Indian food tonight, it’s ok. Just walk in steadfast love. Doing everything in love is what matters most. And this trains us, decision by decision, to become more like our Father in Heaven.

the king’s heart

“The king’s heart is a watercourse in the palm of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

Proverbs 21:1-2

This verse leads me to very similar takeaways as the previous one. God’s not so impressed with our sacrifice, like sacrificing our desires and wants and dreams. Because, if we have aligned our hearts with Him, then He gave us our desires, wants, and dreams. And ultimately, Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. What God does want from us is that we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. He longs for us to walk in righteousness and justice.

And all visual learners will appreciate the picture of our hearts and lives running like a stream of water on the palm of God’s own hand. That means that each bend in the road is lovingly and attentively cared for by God. His arm is not too short and His hand is gently holding on to us. And, again, it’s a relief to know that ultimately, when we’ve surrendered our hearts to the Lord, that He will guide us and lead us.

a prayer for making decisions

Father,

Thank you for your attentive care for us, your attention to detail. Thank you for the free will and desires, hopes, and dreams you’ve entrusted to me. I surrender all. And I ask that you lead and guide me today. Make the path straight and my footing sure. Lead me and restore me. Establish my heart in your heart as I practice making good decisions. Lead me in the way everlasting. Teach me to walk in justice, mercy and humility. Help me love well today.

In Jesus’ name, amen