Everyone makes decisions differently. Some people are able to make decisions quickly while others ponder over a decision for days. I am the someone who has difficulty making decisions, especially big decisions. I am definitely a ponderer. My dad is a ponderer and that always got on my nerves because when I’d ask him if I could do something or have something he’d have to “think about it”. I was always impatient, but as I have gotten older I can understand why.
Over the years I have determined some things that help me to make better decisions. Ultimately, as a Christian I have learned to make decisions based on faith.
Things To Consider When Making Decisions Based on Faith
Influence – When it comes to making decisions we are often influenced by those around us. The Bible says “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Those you are closest to in your life will influence your decisions whether positively or negatively. I attempt to only listen to those in my life who will help me make wise decisions. When I need to make a decision I talk to those whom I trust.
As I mentioned before, I ponder. Ponder means to think about carefully, especially before deciding or concluding. Just like my daddy, as an adult I have come to understand the necessity of pondering things when I am attempting to make a decision based on faith. Pondering gives you time to listen to your heart, your conscience, and your God.
Pray – If there is no other action step that I would recommend the most important one to use in the decision making process is prayer.
Prayer is powerful.
Prayer is our lifeline.
Prayer should be your first step, not your last resort.
Prayer changes things.
The Bible says, “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 It also says that, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
Weigh the pros and cons. A useful task in helping you to make decisions is to weigh your pros and cons. The process is simple.
- You simply make a list.
- Divide a sheet of paper into two columns.
- Label one column pros and cons.
- Write down the appropriate thoughts under each category.
I have done this more times than I can count to make decisions. Big decisions, little decisions, no matter what, this simple tasks can shed some light on the situation.
Seek wise counsel. It is important to seek the counsel of others when you are trying to make a decision. Of course, you should seek God’s wisdom first, but the Bible also talks about seeking wise counsel.
Proverbs 19:20-21 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
and Proverbs 20:18 also says, “Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.”
Using the wisdom that you find from God’s word, those who can speak into your life, your time spent in prayer, and weighing the pros and cons can help you to ultimately make a wise decision. This is a process that you can go through to make decisions based on faith.
Many times, we cannot see the forest for the trees so to speak and God will ultimately show us the path that we need to take, just as he talks about in this devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries. It is worth a read. We never know exactly how God will answer our prayers and help us to make decisions, but we must trust that ultimately he will lead us in the path of everlasting as he promises us in Scripture.
I definitely need to ponder more and listen for the still, small voice.
Me too Sarah!
I’m not a great ponderer. Perhaps I should ponder more. But I agree that prayer and influence are major in making faith based decisions. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. ❤
Amen thanks for visiting!
I am a ponderer as well! So often, though, I ponder alone – meaning I don’t pray and listen. I’m getting better, but it’s a process. 🙂
Yes, I am guilty of that too.
I once heard an analogy about meditating on God’s word or pondering. ‘Reading God’s word is like eating, meditation is digesting. I have recently been trying to ponder more. Thanks for the encouragement!
Amen Great analogy!
Hello fellow ponderer or as I call it, “processing,” lol I am the queen of processing a thought or decision!!
oh yes ! Same thing!
Loved this and saved to my facing fear Pinterest board. I tend to overthink everything! These are great tips to base our decisions on faith.
This was so encouraging to me. I can certainly waiver on making decisions. I certainly needed this reminder! Blessings!
Thank you! You’re welcome
I loved this post! I especially liked your first tip about influence. Having Godly counsel is so important when we are making decisions.
This is a discipline I’ve had to learn, and I’m glad to read I’m not the only one who would benefit by more prayer and pondering. In fact, I expanded on this notion a bit more for August’s essay topic “Wait.”
Jen could not have know how much encouragement these topics would bring.
Where is this August topic found?
My husband tends to ponder; I tend to pounce! We balance each other because sometimes he needs to move and I need to meditate. Thanks for the helpful tips!
Ha! We both tend to ponder, meaning around here decisions don’t get made very quickly.
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