The Holy Spirit in Your Decision-Making (1)
Text: _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… James 1:5
How many times have you been faced with a difficult decision, a variety of choices or several different paths you could take? Did you feel overwhelmed, confused, really wishing you had some guidance from someone or more than just one person? In times like these, we can find some assurance with counsellors, trusted friends, family friends and maybe even with our pastor. But this is not entirely enough. They should only be channels. Decision-making demands much thought and discernment best found in the Spirit by the word of God. One purpose, maybe the most critical purpose, of Jesus sending His Spirit was to help us in our decision-making. From the initial decision to become a believer, to a desire for a holy life, and including the big and small decisions of daily life, I believe the Holy Spirit can be depended upon for guidance in our choices. In fact, there are numerous examples of the Holy Spirit as a guide in both testaments; from the guiding of the people of Israel through prophets, signs, visions, to Jesus and Paul, and certainly in the forming of the early church.
Someone said: “Biblical references like these encourage us to believe that the Spirit’s guidance covers all kinds of decisions." Indeed, in light of this strong biblical support for God’s guidance, we can boldly affirm this bit of good news: The Holy Spirit wants to guide us in our decision making.” We can allow the Holy Spirit to help us exercise our freedom of choice by using the spiritual practices of the study of scripture, personal prayer and meditation, listening to the counsel of our family of faith both past and present and our own reasoning abilities and experiences. But when all is said and done, each of us must make every decision, whether big or small, for ourselves.
Prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit, I ask that You guide me into all truth in decision making and decision- living in Jesus’ Name.
Text: _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… James 1:5
How many times have you been faced with a difficult decision, a variety of choices or several different paths you could take? Did you feel overwhelmed, confused, really wishing you had some guidance from someone or more than just one person? In times like these, we can find some assurance with counsellors, trusted friends, family friends and maybe even with our pastor. But this is not entirely enough. They should only be channels. Decision-making demands much thought and discernment best found in the Spirit by the word of God. One purpose, maybe the most critical purpose, of Jesus sending His Spirit was to help us in our decision-making. From the initial decision to become a believer, to a desire for a holy life, and including the big and small decisions of daily life, I believe the Holy Spirit can be depended upon for guidance in our choices. In fact, there are numerous examples of the Holy Spirit as a guide in both testaments; from the guiding of the people of Israel through prophets, signs, visions, to Jesus and Paul, and certainly in the forming of the early church.
Someone said: “Biblical references like these encourage us to believe that the Spirit’s guidance covers all kinds of decisions." Indeed, in light of this strong biblical support for God’s guidance, we can boldly affirm this bit of good news: The Holy Spirit wants to guide us in our decision making.” We can allow the Holy Spirit to help us exercise our freedom of choice by using the spiritual practices of the study of scripture, personal prayer and meditation, listening to the counsel of our family of faith both past and present and our own reasoning abilities and experiences. But when all is said and done, each of us must make every decision, whether big or small, for ourselves.
Prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit, I ask that You guide me into all truth in decision making and decision- living in Jesus’ Name.
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