How can we apply "the LORD will do what is good" in daily decisions? Setting the Scene “Be strong and let us fight for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” (2 Samuel 10:12) Joab speaks these words on the battlefield. He prepares for combat, but his confidence is not in strategy alone—he rests in the certainty that God will always act in perfect goodness. Unchanging Truths in the Phrase • God’s character is flawlessly good; His actions flow from that goodness (Psalm 119:68). • Because His goodness is intrinsic, it never wavers with circumstances (Malachi 3:6). • His “good” may unfold differently than our expectations, yet it always serves His glory and our ultimate benefit (Romans 8:28). Translating the Truth into Daily Choices 1. Submit every decision under God’s goodness. • Before moving forward, verbally acknowledge: “Lord, You will do what is good.” 2. Replace anxiety with confident action. • Joab still fought; faith never cancels responsibility (Philippians 2:12–13). 3. Hold plans loosely. • “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s purpose prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). 4. Evaluate success by faithfulness, not visible outcome. • Whether the battle is won or lost today, His goodness remains untouched. Four Practical Steps for Decision-Making • Seek Scripture first—let God’s revealed will frame every option (Psalm 119:105). • Pray for wisdom—He “gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5). • Consult mature believers—“Plans fail for lack of counsel” (Proverbs 15:22). • Act in obedience—once the choice aligns with Scripture and wise counsel, step forward confidently, trusting the Lord to “do what is good.” Living It Out in Specific Arenas • Finances: Tithe, budget, avoid debt; then trust God with unexpected needs (Philippians 4:19). • Work: Labor with integrity; promotions and setbacks both fall under His good hand (Colossians 3:23-24). • Relationships: Pursue forgiveness and love; leave the other person’s response to God (Romans 12:18-19). • Future plans: Make responsible projections yet adopt James 4:15—“If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” Closing Encouragement Commit each choice to the Lord, echo Joab’s confidence: “the LORD will do what is good.” When decisions grow complex, remember that God’s goodness is the immovable backdrop behind every faithful step. |
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