I’m trying to make decisions in my life, both big and small, and as a Christian, I want to honor God with those choices. Often, multiple options seem "good"—they’re ethical, beneficial, and aligned with general Christian values. However, how do I know which "good" option is actually God’s will for me in that specific situation? The Bible talks about discerning God’s will, but what specific verses or passages address the distinction between something that’s simply morally good and what is divinely ordained for my life? How can I apply biblical principles to distinguish between choosing something generally commendable and actively following God’s specific direction for my career, relationships, or even smaller daily decisions? Are there examples in the Bible where individuals faced similar dilemmas and how did they navigate them? I’m looking for practical, biblically grounded guidance on how to move beyond just making "good" choices and truly discerning and obeying God’s will.
Answer
The Bible presents discerning God’s will as a process that goes beyond merely selecting something inherently good. While choosing good is often a component of following God, it doesn’t necessarily equate to identifying His specific will for a particular situation. The Bible offers several perspectives on this distinction:
1. The Good, the Better, and the Best (God’s Will):
The Bible suggests that there can be multiple "good" options, but only one that aligns perfectly with God’s specific purpose. Philippians 1:9-10 highlights this: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." This implies a hierarchy where "what is best" (God’s will) is distinct from simply "good" options. Romans 12:2 encourages believers to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable and perfect." This verse indicates the process of discerning involves recognizing the good, the acceptable, and the perfect—the latter being God’s specific will.
2. Seeking God’s Guidance Through Prayer and Scripture:
Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse emphasizes the importance of surrendering personal understanding and actively seeking God’s guidance through prayer. Jesus modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39), praying "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Psalm 119:105 proclaims, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." The Scriptures offer principles, commands, and examples that illuminate God’s character and provide a framework for making decisions aligned with His will. Studying and meditating on Scripture is essential for discerning God’s direction.
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit:
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). Romans 8:14 states, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." Discerning God’s will involves being sensitive to the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which often manifests as an inner peace, conviction, or a sense of leading. Galatians 5:16-25 emphasizes the importance of walking by the Spirit to avoid fulfilling the desires of the flesh, which can lead to choices that seem good on the surface but are not aligned with God’s ultimate purpose.
4. Counsel from Wise Believers and the Church:
Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Seeking counsel from mature, trusted believers within the church community can provide valuable perspective and help confirm or challenge one’s understanding of God’s will. Acts 15 provides an example of the early church coming together to discern God’s will regarding the inclusion of Gentiles.
5. Testing and Confirmation:
Sometimes, discerning God’s will requires taking a step of faith and observing the results. Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6:36-40) is an example, although its use is debated. While not a normative practice, it illustrates the principle of seeking confirmation through specific signs or circumstances. However, focusing solely on signs can be misleading; the internal witness of the Spirit, alignment with Scripture, and confirmation from other believers are more reliable indicators.
6. Patience and Trust:
Discerning God’s will often takes time and requires patience. Isaiah 40:31 promises, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Waiting on God’s timing and trusting in His sovereignty are crucial aspects of the process. Sometimes, the "good" we choose prematurely can hinder God’s best plan.
7. God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:
The Bible affirms both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. While God has a plan, humans have the freedom to make choices. Discerning God’s will doesn’t mean passively waiting for a divine command, but actively seeking Him, studying His Word, and making decisions that align with His character and principles. Even when mistakes are made, Romans 8:28 assures believers that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Pray This Prayer
Okay, here’s a prayer that incorporates the Biblical understanding of discerning God’s will versus simply choosing something good, drawing on scripture and common theological interpretations:
A Prayer for Discernment
Heavenly Father,
I come before you with a humble heart, seeking your guidance in the choices I face. I know that many paths seem good, and that I am often drawn to what appears pleasing, comfortable, or beneficial to me. But I long to do more than simply choose what is "good" in my own eyes; I desire to align my life with your perfect will.
Lord, I understand that the Bible speaks of a difference between general wisdom and specific direction. Help me to grasp the principles you’ve revealed in your Word. Remind me of Proverbs 3:5-6, to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Grant me the wisdom to recognize that even beneficial things can be distractions if they lead me away from your intended purpose. Help me to be wary of choices driven by pride, self-seeking ambition, or fear, instead of being rooted in love and obedience to you.
I ask for a discerning spirit, Father, that I might distinguish between my own desires and your divine call. Show me how to apply Biblical principles to my specific situation. Quiet the noise of my own thoughts and the voices of the world, so that I can hear your still, small voice. Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart (Colossians 3:15), confirming the path you desire for me.
Help me to seek counsel from wise and godly individuals who can offer biblical perspective, and to examine my motives honestly before you. Give me the courage to surrender my own plans, even those that seem good, if they do not align with your will.
I know that discerning your will is not always easy, and it requires prayer, patience, and a willingness to submit to your authority. I am prepared to wait on you, Father, trusting that you will reveal your perfect plan in your perfect timing.
Thank you for your steadfast love, your unwavering guidance, and your promise to never leave me nor forsake me.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Key Biblical Concepts & How They’re Woven into the Prayer:
- Trust in the Lord and Lean Not on Your Own Understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6): The prayer acknowledges the tendency to rely on personal judgment and explicitly asks for the ability to trust God’s wisdom above one’s own.
- The Heart is Deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9): The prayer implicitly recognizes the possibility of self-deception and asks for honesty in examining motives.
- Biblical Principles as a Foundation: The prayer emphasizes grounding decisions in the overarching principles of Scripture. God will not lead someone to do something that directly contradicts His Word.
- Seeking Counsel (Proverbs 11:14): The prayer requests the ability to seek and receive wise counsel from godly individuals.
- The Peace of Christ Ruling in Your Heart (Colossians 3:15): This verse is used as a way of recognizing God’s confirmation of a decision.
- Motives Matter: The prayer emphasizes the need to examine the "why" behind a decision, not just the "what." A seemingly good action can be wrong if driven by selfish motives.
- Submission to God’s Will: The prayer includes a willingness to surrender personal plans, even good ones, if they conflict with God’s will.
- Waiting on God: Discernment often requires patience, and the prayer acknowledges the need to wait on God’s timing.
- God’s Promises: The prayer appeals to God’s faithfulness and His promise to guide those who seek Him.
What the Bible says about discerning God’s will vs simply choosing something good:
The Bible suggests that discerning God’s will is more than just choosing a generally "good" option. Here’s a breakdown:
- "Good" is Subjective; God’s Will is Objective: What seems "good" to us may be based on personal preferences, cultural norms, or short-term gains. God’s will, however, is based on His perfect knowledge, wisdom, and eternal perspective.
- God’s Will Aligns with His Character and Word: God’s will will never contradict His revealed character in the Bible (love, justice, mercy, holiness) or the principles He’s established in Scripture. If something feels "good" but violates a biblical principle, it’s likely not God’s will.
- Examples in Scripture:
- King Saul: He made decisions that seemed "good" in the moment (e.g., offering a sacrifice before Samuel arrived), but they disobeyed God’s specific instructions and ultimately led to his downfall.
- Jesus in Gethsemane: Jesus prayed for God to remove the cup of suffering if possible, but ultimately submitted to the Father’s will, even though it was painful.
- Discernment Involves More Than Just Action: Discerning God’s will requires understanding His purposes behind our actions. A "good" action done with the wrong motive (e.g., pride or self-promotion) may not be aligned with God’s will.
- The Importance of Prayer and the Holy Spirit: The Bible emphasizes the role of prayer in seeking God’s guidance and the Holy Spirit in illuminating truth and leading believers.
- The Concept of "Calling": The Bible speaks of a general call to all believers (to love God and love our neighbors) and sometimes specific calls or assignments. Discerning God’s will often involves understanding how we are uniquely equipped and called to serve Him.
- The Bible as a Foundation: The Bible is the primary source for understanding God’s character and principles. Discernment must always be rooted in a careful study and application of Scripture.
In short, the prayer aims to guide the individual to seek God’s specific purpose, which is often different from simply choosing a generally "good" or convenient option. It encourages a deeper, more intentional pursuit of God’s heart and direction, acknowledging the limitations of human understanding and the importance of relying on divine wisdom.