6 Biblical Steps For Making Wise Decisions

Learn how to make wise decisions with 6 biblical steps that help you seek God’s will, trust His Word, and move forward with peace.

Every day, we make hundreds, probably thousands, of decisions. Many of these choices are made without much thought at all. But some decisions are difficult. These are the ones that keep us awake at night. They can feel life-changing, frightening, and overwhelming. Today, let’s talk about how to make those hard decisions.

First, let me say this clearly. All decisions should be made in light of God’s Word. The Bible is the plumb line by which a life should be measured. Still, some decisions become tangled in emotions, endless options, and plain indecisiveness. Here are five steps to take when facing those difficult moments.

Pray

Have a conversation with God. He already knows what you desire and what the outcome will be. God knows what is best for your life. He is omniscient. He is all-knowing.

So why does God want us to pray if He already knows? Because God desires a close and meaningful relationship with you.

He wants us to learn and grow in Him, and that includes learning how to make decisions according to His Word and His will. When we do this, we glorify God and make Him larger in our lives.

Do not be anxious about anything, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

Line Your Heart Up With God

Get your heart, your mind, will, emotions, and intellect into a place where it has no will of its own. This is not easy. In fact, much of the difficulty in making tough decisions comes from wrestling with our own strong desires. We want what we want.

But God calls us to make His will our will.

This is a real battle. If most of us were honest, we would admit that we often want our own way.

The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can know it? Jere 17:9

Spend time in God’s Word and in prayer, asking Him to shape your heart so that His will becomes yours. It is easy to look for signs or cling to feelings that support our preferences. But the best path is always God’s will, even when it stretches us.

Feelings Can Be Deceiving

Feelings can be powerful, but they can also be misleading.

Do not make decisions based on emotions or impressions alone. As we walk with God over time, discernment grows. Wise decisions are rooted in God’s Word, not in shifting feelings.

One clear test is this. If something does not align with Scripture, it is not God’s will. If what we believe God is telling us contradicts His Word, we can be sure it is not from Him.

Read The Bible

Seek the Spirit of God by connecting with the Word of God. Talk with Him. Ask Him to reveal His will. Then open your Bible and read. These practices belong together, especially when important decisions must be made.

God will never, never, never ask you to choose something that goes against His Word.

And do not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom 12:1

God cautions us not to shape our lives around the ungodly patterns we see around us. Doing so leads to poor choices. Instead, transformation happens as God renews our minds and hearts.

When you compare your thoughts with Scripture, clarity begins to form. This helps you recognize what aligns with God’s will and what does not. Making decisions this way leads to spiritual growth and maturity.

We want our thoughts, our will, and our understanding to reflect our Father’s heart.

Seek Godly Counsel

Sometimes, God leads us through the wisdom of other mature Christians. When a decision feels heavy or confusing, it can be helpful to seek counsel from believers who know God’s Word and walk closely with Him. God often uses wise, trusted voices to bring clarity, confirmation, or gentle correction.

Seeking counsel is not a lack of faith, it is a sign of humility and wisdom.

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Pro 28:26

Look For God’s Leading In Your Circumstances

Finally, after taking all the steps above, consider providential circumstances.

This comes with an important caution.

Be sure you have prayed earnestly. Make sure your heart is surrendered. Set aside emotions and impressions. Seek God through His Word. When your heart is fully yielded to His will, then you can look for His leading in your circumstances.

I often think of this as an open door. These open doors are providential moments that align with God’s Word and His ways. God’s will never contradicts Scripture.

This is not the easy way to make decisions, but it is the godly way.

God does not promise quick answers. He does promise faithfulness. So we must remain faithful as well. Keep praying. Keep seeking. Keep reading Scripture. Watch for God’s direction without allowing personal desire to interfere.

When a godly decision is finally made, praise God and thank Him. Do not slip into doubt. Trust Him fully.

I hope this encourages you when you face those difficult choices we all encounter, confident that God will guide you along the right path.

May we grow in maturity and bring glory to God through every decision we make.

A verse to tuck in your heart this week…

And do not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom 12:1

Other Post To Help

If you are walking through a season of uncertainty or seeking peace as you make hard decisions, these Sunday Scripture posts may encourage and steady your heart.

How To Control Your Negative Thoughts
This post shares biblical truth and practical encouragement for quieting anxious and negative thoughts and bringing them into alignment with God’s Word.

What To Do When You Are Troubled
A comforting reminder of where to turn when the heart feels unsettled, offering Scripture based guidance for finding peace in difficult moments.

What To Do When You Are Waiting For God To Answer Your Prayers
This post speaks to the hard space of waiting, encouraging trust, patience, and faith when God’s answers feel delayed.

How To Pray When You Are All Out Of Words
An honest look at prayer during weary seasons, with reassurance that God hears even the prayers we cannot fully express.

Have a blessed Sunday, friend!