Written by Dr. Chad Wiles

Synopsis

Every decision we make is an opportunity to honor God. Scripture provides a clear and sufficient framework for decision-making rooted not in feelings, but in truth. God has not left us guessing—He has revealed how we are to think and act.

• • Every decision matters because all of life is lived before God.

• • God’s will is revealed in Scripture, not in feelings or signs.

• • Faithful decision-making follows a biblical process rooted in obedience.

Questions to ask yourself before you get started:

1. 1. How do you typically make decisions?

1. 1. Where are you tempted to rely on feelings instead of Scripture?

1. 1. Do your decisions reflect a desire to honor God?

The Foundation: Fear of the Lord

Right decision-making begins with a right view of God. Scripture teaches that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When we understand that we live before God and are accountable to Him, our decisions take on greater weight. Often when I am driving I am not always aware of every decision that I am making. There are many times I am on autopilot. Yet, the moment I spot a police car I am suddenly very aware of every decision that I make. What changed? Was it my ability to make good decisions? No, it was the awareness of authority. That is exactly what the fear of the Lord does for our decisions. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (Prov 9:10). 

Decision-making is not merely practical—it is spiritual. It is an act of worship.

When Solomon became king, he recognized his need for wisdom. Rather than seeking power or wealth, he asked God for discernment. This pleased the Lord because it reflected humility and dependence (1 Kgs 3:6-15). “So give Your slave a listening heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this glorious people of Yours?” (1 Kgs 3:9)

We are called to approach decisions the same way—not seeking our own desires, but seeking what pleases God.

Reflection Questions:

1. 1. Do you seek God’s wisdom before making decisions?

1. 1. Are you pursuing what pleases God or what benefits you?

Understanding God’s Will

Many believers struggle with knowing God’s will. But Scripture makes a clear distinction between God’s sovereign will and His revealed will. Our minds are often focused on our past failures or future outcomes. The problem is we cannot travel to the past to change our poor choices and we cannot see into the future to predict outcomes, no matter what Doc Brown may have taught us in Back to the Future. God has limited us by both time and knowledge, and that limitation is a gift. It keeps us dependent on Him. 

We are not responsible for knowing the future. We are responsible for obeying what God has already revealed in His Word in the present.

Reflection Questions:

1. 1. How often do you turn to Scripture when making decisions?

1. 1. Do you trust that God has already given you what you need?

The Danger of Following Feelings

Feelings are not a reliable guide. They are influenced by many factors and can easily mislead us. In 1984, the great “philosopher” REO Speedwagon famously sang, “I can’t fight this feeling anymore.” If we’re honest, that line describes how many of us make decisions. I know I can relate. There have been  nights I couldn’t fight the feeling of eating a few extra slices of pizza, only to be rudely awakened at 2 a.m. when that same pizza came back with its old friend, heartburn, reminding me that feelings are not always wise counselors. God has given us His Word as the standard for making wise decisions, not our emotions.

Faithful decision-making requires submitting our thoughts and desires to Scripture.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• • Misusing Scripture

• • Relying on opinions

• • Reading circumstances as guidance

• • Seeking signs

• • Following feelings

• Using “peace” as the final test(1)

Reflection Questions:

1. 1. Which of these pitfalls do you struggle with most?

1. 1. How have these affected your decisions in the past?

A Biblical Process for Decision-Making

1. 1. Does This Violate God’s Commands?

If a decision contradicts Scripture, the answer is already clear. Obedience is the starting point.

2. 2. Does This Align with Biblical Principles?

Even when Scripture does not address a situation directly, its principles still guide us.

3. 3. Seek Wise, Biblical Counsel

God provides wise counsel through mature believers and qualified Pastors who point us back to His Word (1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).

4. 4. Walk Forward in Faith

When multiple options remain, move forward in faith, seeking to glorify God in your choice.

God’s Word must shape our thinking daily. It is not enough to read it occasionally—it must guide how we live, think, and decide.

This requires discipline, humility, and dependence on God.

Reflection Questions:

1. 1. How consistently are you in God’s Word?

1. 1. Is Scripture shaping your daily decisions?

Conclusion: A Call to Faithful Decision-Making

God has not left you without guidance. He has given you His Word to direct your path. The goal is faithful obedience.

Slow down. Open your Bible. Pray. Seek to honor Christ in every decision.

Reflection Questions:

1. 1. What decision are you facing right now?

1. 1. How will you apply this framework today?

1. What step of obedience is God calling you to take?