Life is filled with big and small decisions that we have to make daily. Sometimes, however, our choices can seem overwhelming, confusing, and even paralyzing. One approach to navigating these decisions is by making the right decisions by first inquiring by the Lord.
In these times of confusion, disillusionment, uncertainty and disruption, we need God’s guidance more than ever. This sermon will examine how we can make the right decisions by staying in the THRONE ROOM!
We know about GOOGLE, ChatGPT, and Youtube… YET do we still know HOW TO DISCERN GOD’S VOICE and how to consult Him?
In this sermon, we will explore how we can make the right decisions in times of confusion.
Dawid inquired from the Lord.
David inquired of the Lord on numerous occasions throughout the Old Testament. Here is a list of some of the biblical references where David is recorded as seeking guidance from God:
- 1 Samuel 23:2-4 – David inquires of the Lord about whether he should go and fight the Philistines in Keilah.
- 1 Samuel 23:10-12 – David inquires of the Lord again about whether he should go to Keilah, and God tells him to go.
- 1 Samuel 30:7-8 – After David and his men return from battle to find their families and possessions taken captive, David inquires of the Lord whether he should pursue the raiders. God tells him to pursue them and promises him victory.
- 2 Samuel 2:1 – After the death of Saul, David inquires of the Lord about whether he should go up to any of the cities of Judah. God tells him to go up to Hebron.
- 2 Samuel 5:19-23 – During a battle against the Philistines, David inquires of the Lord about whether he should attack them directly. God tells him to go around behind them and attack from the rear.
- 2 Samuel 21:1-3 – During a famine, David inquires of the Lord about the cause of the famine. God tells him it is because of Saul’s bloodguiltiness, and David makes amends with Saul’s descendants.
4 Steps to Right Decisions
I. Seek God’s wisdom and counsel – Your desire to inquire from God is your spiritual ear.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When we are confused, the first and most important step is to seek God’s wisdom through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking counsel from wise and godly friends. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
II. Be LED by the SPIRIT
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Rom 8:14) Focus on the Holy Spirit. Pray in tongues, and be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. He is HOLY and will thus always draw you towards holiness, purity, godliness, compassion and self-surrender.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God (1 John 4:1)
When making decisions, we must be discerning and test everything against the standard of God’s Word. If something contradicts God’s Word, it is not from Him and should be rejected.
Modern psychology research suggests that people often fail to think critically when making important decisions due to various cognitive biases and other factors. Here are some of the reasons why people might not think when making important decisions:
- Confirmation bias: People tend to seek information confirming their beliefs and ignore information contradicting them. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and a failure to consider alternative perspectives.
- Overconfidence bias: People tend to overestimate their abilities and the accuracy of their judgments, leading them to make decisions without fully considering all available information.
- Emotional reasoning: People sometimes make decisions based on emotions rather than logic, leading to impulsive or irrational decisions.
- Cognitive load: When people are under stress or facing a lot of mental demands, they may have difficulty thinking critically and making careful decisions.
- Time pressure: When people are rushed or have limited time to decide, they may be unable to engage in careful, deliberate thinking.
- Decision paralysis: When faced with many options or information, people may become overwhelmed and have difficulty deciding, leading to a lack of critical thinking.
- Lack of information: When people cannot access all the relevant information needed to make a decision, they may make uninformed or biased decisions.
III. THINK it through
a. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Heb 5:14)
So many times, we do not think. We make impulsive decisions without any consideration for ourselves, others, or God. Before deciding, we should carefully consider the potential consequences and weigh them against God’s will for our lives. Sometimes, the right decision is not the easiest one, but it always aligns with God’s truth and leads to long-term blessing and fulfilment.
- Analysis: Breaking down complex information into smaller parts to better understand it.
- Interpretation: Making sense of information and drawing meaningful conclusions.
- Inference: Drawing logical conclusions based on evidence and reasoning.
- Evaluation: Assessing the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of information.
- Synthesis: Combining different pieces of information to create a new understanding or solution.
- Reflection: Assessing one’s thought processes and assumptions, considering alternative viewpoints, and being open to changing one’s perspective.
IV. FAITH and GRACE
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:13)
The Will of God is the source of our FAITH. When faith COMES, the consequent grace (ability) to act and inner PEACE is how I know this is God. By this conviction, we live, which is a sure foundation… we are doing and fulfilling HIS WILL. This is the throneroom experience.
- The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him – continual presence.
- The Spirit of wisdom – skill, experience, clever, shrewdness.
- The Spirit of understanding – comprehension, discernment, righteous action.
- The Spirit of counsel – a strategy, a plan. It sometimes may suggest the idea of a plot.
- The spirit of might – strength, power, might.
- The Spirit of knowledge – knowing, learning, discernment, insight, and notion.
- And the fear of the LORD – awe, splendour.
