If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
—James 1:5

You see it every day—how one wrong or right decision can change a person's future for life. Whatever you decide today, you live tomorrow. So how do you make good decisions for your life?

First, in all your getting, get yourself some understanding and wisdom. Knowledge is your ability to learn, whether it through schooling or a book or a tape or a mentor, and it is important. But wisdom is beyond that. It is the mind of God given by an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, where God gives "you the spirit of wisdom and revelation...the eyes of your understanding being enlightened" (Ephesians 3:17-18). So if you want to make wise decisions through God's wisdom, ask God for an abundance of wisdom.

Second, never make "life decisions" based on how you feel. Feelings are valid and important in the process, because your passions clue you into your calling, but your decisions need to come from the wellspring of the Word of God. Your feelings will alter, but the wisdom of God's Word is the wellspring where you must bathe because ultimately decisions direct your destiny. Don't make a permanent decision in a temporary situation, such as Abraham did when he slept with Hagar based upon Sarah's offer (Genesis 16). Without God's direction, we open our lives to a revolving door of failure and trial.

On a practical level, I use a 24-hour rule. If I see a dress or a computer that I want, and I have the money, I wait 24 hours. Then I ask myself if it is a valid need and a good decision. There's wisdom in waiting.

Third, Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). The word know is the Greek word ginosko, which means "to be intimate with." It is a knowledge based upon intimacy, which brings inner sensitivity. Because you "know" the other person, you recognize their voice. You cannot follow God until you first hear God, so do not make life decisions without hearing from God. God is not playing hide-and-seek with your life. He is calling to you today. Spend time getting to know Him better.

And, fourth, there is safety in the multitude of counselors (Proverbs 24:6). Don't make a major decision in your life without the voice of those people that God has put in your life as spiritual authorities. If you don't have wise counselors you trust, ask God to bring these people into your life. They're there for your safety.

Related Texts: Psalm 37:23; 143:10; Proverbs 2:3–5; 3:5–6; Micah 6:8; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:17–18