How to Make Wise Decisions

By Grace Valley Christian Center on May 16th, 2014 21:19

Sharon_Cropped_300pxAt a recent chapel service, Mrs. Broderick spoke from Jeremiah 6:16.  Below is an excerpt from her address, entitled, “How to Make Wise Decisions.”

In the book of Jeremiah, the Lord says, “’Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls’” (Jeremiah 6: 16).

This passage teaches us how to make wise decisions that glorify God and bring about blessing in our lives.

“Stand” means STOP. So often we make important decisions without even realizing what we are doing. Maybe you made a decision to hide your progress report from your parents or made a decision to eat a huge package of candy at one time. We can do these things without ever stopping to consider the decision that we are making or its consequences. If we rush through life in this way, living by urges and doing whatever we feel without stopping to consider the decision, we are in for a life of trouble.

“Look” means THINK. Think about the decision and carefully consider your options. Weigh out the pros and cons of those different options.

“Ask” means PRAY. Go to God when you are making a decision. Go to God’s word and see what it says. Start praying and ask God to reveal his will in every decision, big or small. Saint James tells us that God gives wisdom to those who ask for it in faith (James 1: 5,6). God hears the prayers of humble people who need him and seek him and he will reveal his will (the ancient path) to such people.

“Walk” means DO. Make decisions and choices that please the Lord. Do what he commands you to do. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Love others as Jesus has loved you. Speak truth; don’t lie. Work hard six days a week. Seek to glorify God in anything and everything you do.

“Find rest” means BE BLESSED. “Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you” (Deuteronomy 6: 18). This is God’s wonderful promise to those who seek the will of God and do it. When faced with important decisions, I pray that each one of you will stop, think, pray, and do what God commands you to do. This will surely lead to blessing in your life. That’s a promise.