Decision Making Process, From Mom

Seek godly guidelines.

Psalm 16:7-11  I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts His praises!  For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow you godly one to rot in the grave.  You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.  

1.God's promises will guide me:

Psalm 16:11  You will show me the way of life
Psalm 32:8  The Lord says, " I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.
Psalm 34:4  I prayed to the Lord and He answered me, freeing me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:10  Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing.  
Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all you heart; do not depend on your own unerstanding.  Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct you paths.  

2.  God has given us a Godly Spirit:  the Holy Spirit:

Psalm 16:7  I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.  
(God gives me clear direction, He counsels me, Holy Spirit instructs me at night when I sleep.)
1 Corinthians 2:12  And God has actually given us His Spirit (not the world's spirit) so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
(We have received the Holy Spirit.)
1 Corinthians 2:14  But people who aren't Christians can't understand these truths from God's Spirit.  It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit can understand what the Spirit means. 
(natural nature, unsaved.  Saved, we have the Holy Spirit.  To seek God is wisdom.)

3.  Must watch for pitfalls:

Strong fleshly desires--Have we subjected these to the Holy Spirit?  or seek godly direction?

Wrong counsel--Seek godly counsel, but God also wants us to grow up spiritually.  Pray and seek God's counsel and His discernment.  Pray about seeking counsel from your pastor, elders first and wait on the  Lord for His answer.  "Lord, is this what you want, and is it Your timing?

Impatience--Patience says I am willing to wait for God's guidance.  Patience refuses to run and make something happen.   Sometimes when we don't wait it could cause loss, pain, confusion, disappointment.

Doubt--I'm not worthy.  It's not God, He didn't speak to me.  Why should I go to Him.  Misinterpret what God says.

God will turn it around for our own good, if we are sincere in seeking God's way.  Faith flourishes in the garden of gratitude.

Ephesians 5:15-17  So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.  Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.  

From me:

God has given us clear promises and instruction on seeking His ways in our decision making process. Mom outlined them here pretty clearly.  Speaking from experience, when I have acted out of my own fleshly judgment and impatience, the consequences have ranged from difficult and uncomfortable to downright heartbreaking and life defining.  Thankfully I am learning to "follow the peace."

When we adhere to the guidelines given by God, and prayerfully seek His way, our decisions will keep us on the path of righteousness and peace God has planned for us.  This doesn't necessarily mean easy, prosperous by the world's standards or even our own.  It means God will complete His purpose, His perfect will in our lives.  And in that we will have peace and joy even if all around us is a storm of difficulty.

I am praying for better decision making skills for all of us.  It takes practice to learn God's way of doing this.  Yes, we falter, we make mistakes, but we have the promise in Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.  So I hold onto that, even in my errors of judgments, my downright disobedience at times (consequences, and discipline, yes they come, but God still weaves them into the tapestry of my life for His glory).  It's a learning process for all of us.

Lord, help us to seek You in all things, all decisions big and small.  Take our lives and make them a frame to show the picture of Your glory.  Let us learn how to follow Your leading, when to go, when to stay.  Give us godly counselors to help us along the way.  Thank You for the  Holy Spirit, our ultimate guide.  Teach us to listen to His voice each and every day.  Thank You.