Ever Interceding

BY DIANA BROWN

Seeking Jesus for Direction in the Journey

In our journey of life, we often find ourselves praying and seeking wisdom and guidance for what to do in our daily comings and goings, including direction for a job, ministry opportunity, a place to live, and so on.

In Philippians, Paul encourages us: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV).

Our Father God is interested in you and your decisions. After all, He knows what is best for us.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

(JEREMIAH 29:11 ESV)

And our Father God cares for you. Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).

Together, let’s look at ten steps and Bible verses that can help when seeking the Lord for wisdom and direction for decisions in our daily and not-so-daily journey. (This is not an exhaustive list, but points to consider.)

10 Steps in Decision Making:

1. Ask God for wisdom—James 1:5 (ESV)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

2. Trust the Lord—Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (ESV).

3. Pray pertaining to all things—Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

4. Turn to Scripture—2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

5. Seek godly counsel—Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

6. Fear the Lord—Proverbs 1:7 (ESV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Psalm 112:1 (ESV) Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!

7. Commit to the plan God has for you—Psalm 16:8 (ESV)

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

8. Be humble—Proverbs 14:12 (ESV) There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 3:7 (ESV) Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

9. Read Scripture—Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

10. Listen to Holy Spirit—John 16:13 (ESV)

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

Here are some verses to cling to: n Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) n James 1:5 (ESV) n Colossians 3:15 (ESV) n I Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) n Proverbs 15:22 (ESV) n Proverbs 19:21 (ESV) n Psalm 37:5 (ESV)

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.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Making decisions can often be difficult and unclear. Thank you, Father, that we are never without help because You, our Heavenly Father, are there to help and guide us. Scripture tells us to:

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV).

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (JEREMIAH 33:3 ESV)

Cling to Jesus and hold tight to Him…be ever interceding! He will show up, guide you, and speak to your heart!

The words of the hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus, say it well:

What a friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and griefs to bear

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit

O what needless pain we bear

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer

Let’s talk to our Father together:

Father God, all wisdom comes from You. Thank You for Scripture, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and godly counsel with those in my circle.

Please give me wisdom and direction concerning the choices before me. Guide me to the right godly counsel to speak and confirm truth to my heart. I seek You and your kingdom first, but I am confused about how to move forward at this time. Help me to be still and know that You are God. Help me, Father, to hear from You clearly. Eliminate all fear related to this decision and give me the assurance I need to make this important decision in accordance with what You have for me in your plans.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Your turn:

Are you currently needing wisdom for a decision? What spoke to you in this article? What Scripture are you claiming? Choose a verse and write a prayer to the Father for guidance that you can claim in Jesus’ name according to His Word.

Share with us how God guided you in a decision in your life. How did you pray? What verse or verses ministered to you? Send an email to Diana@womenworldleaders.com We love hearing your God stories!