What other scriptures highlight the importance of making godly decisions? Standing in the Valley of Decision “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the Day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:14) Joel pictures crowds poised between two futures—one under judgment, the other under blessing. Scripture consistently treats every choice as weighty because each one moves a heart either toward the Lord or away from Him. The Weight God Places on Our Choices • Deuteronomy 30:19 — “I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live.” • Joshua 24:15 — “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” • Galatians 6:7-8 — “Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap in return… the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” These passages underline that every decision plants seed, and harvest is inevitable. Scriptures That Shape Wise Choices Rely on God’s wisdom • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Let Scripture light the path • Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Commit plans to the Lord • Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.” • Psalm 37:5 — “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” Consider the end of each way • Proverbs 14:12 — “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” • Matthew 7:13-14 — “Enter through the narrow gate… small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Delight in what is excellent • Psalm 1:1-3 — “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked… but his delight is in the law of the LORD…” • Philippians 4:8 — “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure… think on these things.” Do everything for God’s glory • 1 Corinthians 10:31 — “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” Threads That Tie These Passages Together • God graciously offers wisdom, yet expects humble seeking. • His Word provides an objective standard for every crossroads. • Choices carry real, lasting consequences—blessing or loss. • A heart set on God’s glory will naturally choose the path that pleases Him. • The Spirit empowers follow-through when plans are committed to the Lord. Practical Steps for Walking Out God-Honoring Decisions 1. Start with surrender—acknowledge daily that your understanding is limited. 2. Search Scripture for clear commands or principles connected to the issue at hand. 3. Pray specifically for wisdom, believing God will give it. 4. Seek counsel from mature believers whose lives demonstrate biblical fruit. 5. Evaluate options by their potential to glorify God and bless others. 6. Act in faith, committing the outcome to the Lord, and remain teachable if He redirects. |
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