How to Make Hard Decisions

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called …
Counselor…” Isaiah 9:6, NKJV

It’s summer … that annual time when we think of vacations, rest, fun, and replenishment. All those activities — or lack thereof — enhance our well-being. However, life never takes a break, which means we face perplexing situations in every season of the year.

It’s easy to rely on our fleshly inclinations, our intelligence, others’ advice, and more. And these days, we can even google our questions or ask ChatGPT. But decision making should look different for the Christian. Let’s consider four practices we should implement when we’re determining a course of action.

Every breath we breathe originates with God our Maker. We don’t belong to ourselves. Our lives are “hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), and it’s imperative that we seek God’s honor in our decisions. Granted, we daily decide on trivial matters. Yet a desire to please God should nestle within our consciousness, causing us to seek His face for wisdom.

The Lord Jesus Christ sent the Comforter, the Helper to dwell within us. What a gift! God doesn’t expect you and I to traverse life alone — He has divinely equipped us to encounter each day. And while the Holy Spirit indwells every Christian, being filled with the Spirit requires awareness, intention, and submission on our part. Because we can rush into our responsibilities and ignore the Holy Spirit’s presence. Instead, let’s lean on His guidance.

It’s tempting to make decisions based on our own knowledge, but let’s not overlook the Bible. Although Scripture doesn’t contain specifics regarding our individual lives, the Word of God presents principles that apply. Spending time on Spirit-inspired pages will direct our thoughts, reveal God’s heart, and form a path. In a hurry-up world encumbered with noise, we can choose to slow down and discover the beauty of God’s way.

Sometimes we pray, rely on the Holy Spirit, and search God’s Word, but we still struggle to make a hard decision. In those moments, we can benefit from the counsel of godly people. God has placed us in the body of Christ. He knows we can assist each other. When a quandary continues bouncing around in our minds, perhaps it’s time to ask a Christian brother or sister for insight.

The Lord “is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14), but He also provides peace in various circumstances. By utilizing the three practices listed above, we are seeking God and depending on His resources. And the Lord, our Counselor, is faithful. He will respond to our pursuit by supplying peace. Though our experience of peace might delay, we can hope in God’s provision of it as we keep our eyes on Him.

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