“Grace, would you be willing to help with this ministry?” I looked over the text message, weighing the pros and cons in my mind. Saying yes would require more time and energy, but I didn’t want to say no.
We have so many decisions. How can we choose the right one? We want to spend our time well and invest in loved ones, but sometimes life is overwhelming, especially when we’re bombarded with information overload. As a firstborn and recovering people-pleaser, making decisions is difficult for me. Maybe you feel the same way.
In a world saturated with knowledge, how can we make biblical decisions? Three principles have helped me narrow my choices.
1. Ask God
This tends to be my last option, but God wants us to draw near to him in every aspect of life, and promises to draw near to us in return (James 4:8). Instead, I often resort to worrying—forgetting I have a loving God who wants to hear my heart. God is all-knowing, he may not reveal everything to us, but he promises to give wisdom, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). Notice that our posture isn’t to worry, it’s to humbly ask so he can generously give.
Instead, I often ruminate on worst-case scenarios, but when we make decisions in fear, we give opportunity to the enemy. When making decisions, we should prioritize prayerful communication with God, instead of looking for fast answers. We can trust him even in the waiting and uncertainty. God is still in the hard places, even when we can’t feel him. And God doesn’t ask us to independently decide; he provides his word as a guide.
2. Know the Word
God supplies his truth as a light to guide us in the labyrinth of life. In 2025, we’re overwhelmed with options. In a fallen world, we have to know the principles of Scripture when making decisions. For instance, the world urges us to pursue personal pleasure at the expense of others—does that align with the word? But Matthew 22:37–38 says loving God and our neighbor is the greatest commandment. Knowing principles like this helps us make biblical decisions instead of emotional ones. Because God's word is perfect and unchanging: “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Ps. 19:8).
When we lean on these principles of wisdom, we can joyfully step out in faith. We may not know the outcome, but we can have confidence in God’s promises. And when we still can’t choose between good, better, and best, God provides wise mentors too.
3. Pursue Godly Counselors
When I’m stressed about decisions, it’s easy to isolate myself, but the Bible encourages us to pursue wise mentors. Investing in conversations with mature believers yields valuable insights and opportunities for deepened relationships, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14). We need guidance and counsel. As a college student, I regularly referred to my counselor to stay on track, even when I didn’t like a particular class or subject. Similarly, the Lord gives older brothers and sisters in the faith to mentor us through uncomfortable seasons. Titus 2 exhorts us to teach and model godliness, including our decision-making.
Yes, search engines can produce timely information, but only humanity offers heart-to-heart feedback. We’re saturated in information overload, but people can look us in the eyes and offer a hug or handshake when we’re unsure. Only people can personally know us—search engines know information, but humans offer personal connection.
After praying and seeking counsel, I decided to participate in the ministry, basing my decision on the value of loving others instead of my own comfort. It grew my faith and strengthened my relationships. The Bible doesn’t explicitly say whether to say yes or no in every decision, but God generously imparts wisdom to those who ask. The next time we’re faced with a choice, let’s pray for discernment, dig into the word, and consult confidants.
