Some people make really good decisions. I am always amazed at these folks.

What do they do that makes them able to make good, long lasting decisions?

Here are four steps that many people follow to help them make wise decisions.

First, they submit everything to God in prayer. The apostle Paul gave us a good word about making decisions. He said, be anxious in nothing but be prayerful in everything (Philippians 4:6). Good decisions come when we submit everything in our life to God.

By submitting to God we acknowledge Him as the Lord and master of our lives. Good decisions will be God inspired decisions, those decisions that fit with His will and His plan for our lives.

To make good decisions we need to submit our plans and our thoughts to Him. Since His thoughts are not our thoughts nor His ways our ways, we need to receive His wisdom and counsel.

Second, wise decision makers take time to consider what they are doing. One of the things you don’t want to do is to make a decision that has unknown or unintended consequences.

We often see unintended consequences in decisions made by government. Well intentioned people do their best to make things better but actually end up making things worse.

They haven’t taken the time to look at the full consequences of their decision.

Third, good decision-makers seek the counsel of wise, godly, and thoughtful people. Proverbs 15:22 shows us the value of good counselors. “Plans fail for lack of wisdom, but with many advisors they succeed.”

No one can make your decisions, but wise counselors can help you see the dangers and the possible roadblocks you may face.

Fourth, good decision makers make their decisions only when they have appropriate information.

I find this to be a very helpful practice. Don’t make a decision until it has to be made.

I sometimes see people who have to make a decision a month from now fretting over the decision today. Because they don’t have full information, they really can’t make a wise decision. Why not wait until the time when the decision has to be made? Then, you will have allowed yourself the time to think, pray, and study the situation.

Following this practice will keep you from worrying, and it will equip you to make the best decision possible.

When you have prayed, sought counsel, and gotten as much information as possible, you will be well-equipped to make a good, long term decision.

All of life is filled with decisions. May God bless you as you seek his wisdom for your life.

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