In what ways can we seek God's will in our daily decisions? Setting the Scene: Solomon’s Nighttime Invitation “At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, ‘Ask! What shall I give you?’” (1 Kings 3:5) God’s open-ended offer to Solomon shows His readiness to guide anyone who truly seeks Him. That same invitation stands for every believer facing daily choices, large or small. God Still Invites You to Ask • God initiates the conversation. He wants us to consult Him first, not last. • His question, “What shall I give you?” is directed at the heart. Our answers reveal what we value most—wisdom or mere relief, His glory or our convenience. • Solomon’s story confirms that the Lord answers generously when we ask in line with His character (James 1:5). Practical Ways to Discern His Will Each Day • Immerse in Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Regular reading calibrates the conscience, aligning instincts with God’s stated desires. • Pray for Wisdom – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given.” (James 1:5) – Pray specifically about each decision before options harden into plans. • Trust and Surrender – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) – Lay down predetermined outcomes; invite Him to redirect. • Renew the Mind – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind… then you will be able to discern.” (Romans 12:2) – Let truth reshape thought patterns, displacing cultural assumptions. • Listen for the Shepherd’s Voice – “My sheep listen to My voice… and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) – Quiet moments in the Word and prayer tune spiritual ears to recognize His prompts. • Watch for the Peace of Christ – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15) – A settled, Spirit-given peace often confirms a choice; its absence warns to pause. • Seek Godly Counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) – Mature believers can help test motives and expose blind spots. • Obey the Light You Have – “Your word is… light to my path.” A lamp illumines one step at a time. Move forward on what is clear, waiting for the next directive. Putting It All Together: A Daily Pattern 1. Begin with Scripture open—let God speak first. 2. Present the decision in prayer, asking for wisdom, courage, and clarity. 3. List options; filter them through explicit biblical commands and principles. 4. Consult trusted believers; invite honest feedback. 5. Note where Christ’s peace rests. 6. Choose in faith, acting on the light given. 7. Continue in gratitude, staying alert for mid-course corrections. When the Answer Isn’t Immediate • Delay is often part of guidance; the Lord stretches faith and deepens dependence. • Keep obeying the last clear instruction. Obedience positions you to hear the next. • Guard against impatience; Philippians 4:6-7 promises guarding peace while you wait. Encouragement from the Rest of Scripture • God’s Word equips “for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • His will is “good, pleasing, and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) • The One who invited Solomon to ask delights to lead you through today’s decisions as well. |
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