How can we ensure we seek God's guidance in decision-making today? Setting the Scene “Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions, but they did not ask counsel from the LORD.” – Joshua 9:14 Israel examined the Gibeonites’ moldy bread and worn-out wineskins. Everything looked legitimate. Yet a single sentence exposes the real problem: they did not seek God. The cost was a binding treaty with people God had told them to remove. Their oversight reminds us how easily we can lean on appearances, logic, or urgency and skip the one step that matters most—asking the Lord. Why God’s Guidance Matters • God sees what we cannot (Isaiah 46:9-10). • His wisdom is pure, peace-loving, and never misleads (James 3:17). • Apart from Him, even “good” decisions can derail us (Proverbs 14:12). Practical Ways to Seek His Counsel 1. Slow down and pray first • “Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3 • Create margin before deciding; urgency often muffles God’s voice. 2. Filter every option through Scripture • God’s Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • If the choice contradicts any clear biblical command, discard it immediately. 3. Listen for the Spirit’s inner witness • “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” – Isaiah 30:21 • Peace that aligns with Scripture confirms the Spirit’s nudge (Colossians 3:15). 4. Invite godly counsel • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22 • Choose advisers who fear God, know His Word, and will speak truth, not just agreement. 5. Evaluate motives honestly • “All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives.” – Proverbs 16:2 • Ask: Am I seeking God’s glory or my convenience, pride, or comfort? 6. Wait for confirmation • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 • God is never late; impatience can open doors the enemy happily fills. Red Flags That Signal We’re Skipping Counsel • Rushing because “everyone expects an answer now.” • Relying on impressive data while neglecting prayer. • Assuming past victories guarantee present success (see Joshua 7 for contrast). • Feeling uneasy inside but plowing ahead to keep appearances. Encouragement When You’re Unsure • God delights in guiding His children (Psalm 32:8). • Wisdom is promised to those who ask without doubting (James 1:5-6). • Even missteps can become classrooms of grace when we turn back quickly (Psalm 37:23-24). Living the Lesson Every decision—big or small—becomes an act of worship when we pause to seek God first. Israel’s treaty with the Gibeonites etched a permanent reminder onto their national story. Let it etch one onto ours: provisions can fool us; God never will. |
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