What steps ensure our "counsels" align with God's will? Setting the Scriptural Anchor “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.” Psalm 33:11 Why Aligning Counsel Matters • Only God’s counsel is unchanging; ours is flawed (Proverbs 19:21). • Misaligned counsel brings confusion (Isaiah 30:1) and loss (Joshua 9:14). • Aligned counsel releases blessing and stability (Psalm 1:1-3). Four Foundational Convictions • Scripture is God-breathed, wholly true, and our final authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • The Holy Spirit still guides every willing believer into all truth (John 16:13). • The human heart, left unchecked, is deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9). • God never contradicts Himself; His Word, Spirit, and providence harmonize (Numbers 23:19). Practical Steps to Form God-Aligned Counsel 1. Immerse yourself in the Word – Regular, systematic reading brings God’s thoughts to bear on every issue (Psalm 119:105). 2. Pray for wisdom, expecting an answer – “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” James 1:5. 3. Expose your motives before the Lord – “All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but motives are weighed by the LORD.” Proverbs 16:2. 4. Invite godly, biblically-anchored advisers – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22. 5. Wait for inner confirmation and peace – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Colossians 3:15. 6. Watch God’s providential fingerprints – “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9. 7. Test the expected fruit – Does the counsel lead to righteousness, peace, and joy (Galatians 5:22-23; James 3:17-18)? 8. Act in obedient faith – Faith that remains theory is dead (James 2:17); step forward once alignment is confirmed. Keeping Counsel on Track: Ongoing Practices • Daily Scripture intake and meditation (Psalm 119:11). • Regular self-examination and quick repentance (1 John 1:9). • Accountability relationships that speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Continual dependence on the Spirit’s leading (Romans 8:14). • Thankful praise that keeps the heart tender (Psalm 34:1). A Closing Reflection Because the Lord’s counsel stands forever, the safest place for any decision, plan, or piece of advice is right in the center of His revealed will. When we saturate ourselves with Scripture, submit to the Spirit, and surround ourselves with godly voices, our own counsels become steady echoes of the unchanging counsel of God. |
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