Seeking God’s Guidance in Decision Making for Life: 5 Bible Verses to Read Before You Make a Big Decision

Life is filled with decisions, and as a husband, father of five, and a pastor, I know firsthand the weight some decisions carry. Some choices are minor—everyday moments that don’t alter the course of our lives. But others are pivotal, impacting our future, our families, and our faith. When we stand at a crossroads, it’s easy to feel torn between the excitement of possibility and the anxiety of uncertainty. Sometimes, in our hurry to “get it right,” we rush into decisions or make them without considering the long-term impact. But I’ve learned that approaching big decisions with humility, patience, and trust in God’s guidance is essential.

No Stranger to Big Mistakes: decision making

It was the spring of 2008, and my friend, Eddy, had recently struck gold. Six months earlier, he had bought a new-build home as an investment, and by some stroke of luck or genius, he had flipped it for a massive profit, making tens of thousands of dollars in a matter of months. Eddy was thrilled, and I couldn’t help but be captivated by his success story. We’d been friends for years, and seeing him prosper in this real estate venture made me feel like I could do the same.

So, when he came to me with another opportunity, urging me to join him in purchasing a new-build home in a similar development, I was all ears. “It’s like printing money,” Eddy had said, grinning ear to ear. “People are snapping up homes, and the market is only going up!” I thought about the possibilities—about how an investment like this could secure a better financial future.

To make things even more appealing, I loved the new development he showed me. The neighborhood was fresh, upscale, and perfectly located. Schools, parks, shopping centers—all nearby. I could already imagine the demand for a home here. I figured it was a safe bet, and with Eddy’s encouragement, I went all in. I signed the paperwork, took out a sizable loan, and closed on the house, envisioning the day I’d flip it for a hefty return just like he had.

For a while, things seemed great. The market still seemed strong, and other investors and buyers were excited about the new properties coming up in the area. I even started looking at potential buyers, quietly anticipating the payoff. But then, just a few months after I closed on the home, the economy took a sudden and sharp turn for the worse. The real estate bubble burst, and the market began to crumble. News of foreclosures started to dominate the headlines, and it seemed as though overnight, demand for new homes vanished. The value of homes plummeted, and suddenly, my “foolproof” investment was looking more and more like a costly mistake.

I was crushed. I had trusted in the same formula that had worked so well for Eddy just a short time before. How had I missed the signs? Now I was staring down a mortgage on a home I couldn’t sell, and I wasn’t even close to breaking even. In fact, if I sold, I’d be taking a huge loss. As more time passed, the reality of the situation weighed on me. This house, which I had thought would be a quick and easy investment, was now a financial anchor, holding me down in a sinking market.

On top of the financial hit, my family started to feel the strain. We were forced to tighten our budget, cutting back on extras and shifting our priorities just to stay afloat. I couldn’t help but feel guilty. I had jumped at the opportunity without fully understanding the risks, fueled by the stories of easy money and high returns that had come from Eddy’s success.

Eddy, who had cashed out before the crash, was sympathetic, but there wasn’t much he could do to help. He admitted that he’d been lucky to time the market just right but knew, in hindsight, that there was a great deal of risk involved. I realized then that I had made my decision based on someone else’s experience, without fully considering my own circumstances or the shifting dynamics of the market.

In the end, I learned a costly lesson. Investment choices, especially in something as less-volatile as real estate, need to be made with caution and not simply on the success of others. The dream of a quick profit had turned into a long, difficult financial setback. It took years, but eventually, we climbed out of that hole. And while the memory still stings, it taught me to think carefully before jumping into “sure thing” investments and to seek wise counsel before making big financial moves.

If we allow ourselves to make decisions the same way we might test an idea in a science lab—just “seeing what happens”—we often end up with results we didn’t bargain for. Life’s choices aren’t experiments; they’re building blocks. Our families, our faith, and our futures are too precious to be left to chance. Today, I want to share five key Bible verses that have guided me over the years in making thoughtful, prayerful choices and remind you that we don’t have to guess—God’s wisdom is available if we seek it.

1. Trust in God’s Wisdom, Not Your Own Understanding

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

When we’re faced with decisions, it’s so easy to rely on our experience and reasoning. We think through the “pros and cons,” weighing out what seems to make sense. But there’s a reason Proverbs encourages us to trust God instead of our understanding. God sees what we can’t, knows what we don’t, and loves us enough to steer us away from what might harm us—even when we can’t understand why.

As a pastor, I’ve seen how easy it is to let pride sneak into our decision-making. We think we’ve got it all figured out. But every time I’ve rushed ahead with what I thought was a brilliant plan, I’ve learned the hard way that my own understanding is limited. I remember once taking on a significant ministry project without fully praying over it, thinking I could handle it. But that decision led to burnout and stress for my family, and it took a toll on my marriage. I learned from that experience that seeking God’s wisdom first can save us from painful consequences.

Think of life as a hiker navigating a challenging path. If the hiker tries to find their way without a map or guide, they’re bound to get lost. God’s wisdom is our map, helping us find our way through unknown territory. The hiker who follows the marked path will avoid dangerous detours and reach their destination safely. Likewise, we need to trust God to guide us instead of relying on our limited view. When we trust in His path, He will make it straight, leading us exactly where we need to be.

2. Seek God’s Wisdom Through Prayer

James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Before making a decision, it’s essential to pause and pray. I’ve learned that some of my biggest regrets came from making decisions without truly seeking God’s guidance. In the rush of life, it’s tempting to choose the most convenient or immediate path, hoping for the best. But when I’ve taken time to pray, God has always provided the wisdom I needed.

As a father, this is especially important to me. I want my kids to see that we can come to God with our needs, especially when we don’t know what to do. I want them to know that prayer is more than a ritual—it’s a lifeline.

Imagine a ship’s captain setting sail without a compass. Without direction, the ship would drift, possibly into dangerous waters. Prayer is our compass in decision-making. Just as a captain checks the compass frequently to stay on course, we need to check in with God. Prayer keeps us aligned with God’s will, providing the clarity we need. When we’re anchored in prayer, God steers us away from regret and toward His peace-filled purposes.

3. Don’t Let Anxiety Drive Your Decisions—Pray for Peace

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Big decisions often come with big emotions. Anxiety has a way of making us react impulsively, pushing us into choices that aren’t rooted in wisdom or faith. In my family and in ministry, I’ve seen how a rushed decision made in anxiety can lead to unintended pain. But when I bring those worries to God, He replaces my fear with peace.

As a pastor, I’m often called to counsel people in moments of stress and worry. I tell them that God doesn’t want us to live in a state of anxiety, especially when it comes to life’s significant decisions. When we let God take the lead, He provides a peace that guards us against unwise choices.

Imagine trying to bake a cake without a recipe, impatiently throwing in ingredients, hoping for the best. Without clear instructions, it’s unlikely the cake will turn out as desired. Anxiety works the same way in decision-making—it rushes us, leading to an uncertain outcome. But when we patiently follow God’s “recipe,” His guidance helps us produce a result filled with peace, purpose, and His blessings.

4. Let God Guide You Step by Step

Psalm 32:8

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

God promises to guide us personally and lovingly. As a husband and father, I’m grateful for this promise. So often, I want to see the big picture before I step out in faith. But God doesn’t always work that way. He asks us to trust Him with each step.

Over the years, I’ve learned that walking with God isn’t about having every detail mapped out; it’s about being willing to take one faithful step at a time. This verse has taught me that God’s guidance is more than just instruction—it’s His loving presence leading the way.

Returning to our hiker, imagine he’s at a fork in the trail, uncertain which path to take. He has to trust his map and take one step at a time. Likewise, God’s guidance often comes as a steady hand leading us, not as a complete blueprint of our future. Trusting Him step by step brings us closer to His plans, avoiding the pitfalls of doubt and fear.

5. Listen for God’s Voice in Every Decision

Isaiah 30:21

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

God’s voice is always there to guide us, but we must listen. In today’s world, noise and distraction can drown out His voice, making it hard to discern His guidance. But God promises that if we’re willing to listen, He’ll direct our paths. As a father, I want to teach my children to seek God’s direction and hear His voice in every choice they make.

In ministry, I’ve learned that the difference between a wise choice and a regret often comes down to listening. God’s voice may not always be loud, but it’s steady, guiding us to the right decision.

The Cost of Rushed and Poorly Made Decisions

When we ignore God’s guidance, lean on our own understanding, or rush into decisions without prayer, the cost is often more than we anticipate. I’ve seen rushed decisions strain marriages, hurt children, and create unnecessary setbacks. It’s not that God can’t redeem our mistakes—He’s gracious beyond measure. But the pain and hardship caused by unwise decisions can often be avoided when we take the time to seek His will.

For instance, I’ve seen families uproot on a whim, chasing job offers or opportunities that looked promising but were made without prayerful consideration. The result was stress, financial strain, and isolation from a community that had been supporting them. Others I know have made relationship choices based on emotions, only to find themselves struggling in a marriage built on a shaky foundation.

A Call to Trust and Wait on God

As we navigate life’s big decisions, my prayer for you—and for myself—is that we remember to seek God above all else. We don’t have to “see what happens” when it comes to the things that matter most. God is with us, ready to guide, comfort, and give us peace in every decision.

So, as you stand at a crossroads, consider these questions: Are you willing to trust God’s wisdom, even if it means waiting? Are you inviting Him to lead, even if it means surrendering your plans? And are you listening for His voice, even in the stillness?

Let’s lean on His promises, knowing He is faithful. When we do, we can move forward confidently, trusting that every decision is part of His perfect plan for us and our families.

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