Our lives are made up of decisions. As we look back over life, we find that our lives are the sum of all our decisions. As you make your decisions, you reveal your future.

We all know that good decisions are difficult to make.

How can we learn to make better decisions?

First, immerse yourself in God’s plans and God’s ways. As you read and meditate on Scripture, you learn what matters to God. The more you know of God’s plans the better you are able to move in His direction.

In order to pray according to God’s will, we must learn God’s will. Scripture teaches us the will of God.

Second, ask God for His direction as you move through life.

God is ready to give us direction. Isaiah the prophet spoke of God’s desire to lead His people: “O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. . . . Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it'” (Isaiah 30:19, 21).

How precious to be led by the Lord and directed by His Spirit. Why don’t we experience more of this? Isaiah said that God wants to hear but our iniquity keeps us from God: “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Third, turn from known sin and ask God to show you areas He wants you to change. This step will help your decision making immensely.

Fourth, follow the examples of Godly women and men who have gone before you. Let them be the model for your life.

Finally, learn from the mistakes of the past and determine to not make the same bad decision again. You can’t change the past, but you can keep from repeating it.

We all know friends who move from one bad decision to another and seem to dig a deeper hole for their lives. Ask God to show you the error of your ways and the good decisions He wants you to make.

May God bless you as you make the decisions of life. Follow the Lord who says: “This is the way; walk in it.”

You can receive my posts in your inbox each morning by subscribing at the top of the page. Please join me as we discuss pastoral leadership and Christian living.