Tag: Decison Making and the Will of God - 1 Chronicles 16-19

1 Chronicles 17:1-4

Now when David lived in his house, David said to Nathan the prophet, “Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” And Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.”

But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in.

Tag:  Decision Making and the Will of God

When it comes to making decisions for our lives we have to recognize two aspects:  1). God is the one who makes the final decision, and, 2). We should seek God BEFORE we make the decision.   In the above passage we see what happens when a man of God (Nathan) moves forward on emotion and does not seek God, first.   God is charge of all decisions, He is completely sovereign over the affairs of all men:

Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:1

The plans of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:9

The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.

God sets the affairs of every man.  This is why we should seek His will in our lives.  However, Nathan was so excited about the thought of doing something great for God, he forgot to ask God.   We are to seek God, no matter how excited about the "steps" we are planning.   God wants to give us wisdom:

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

God wants us to seek wisdom, BEFORE we move forward.   He is there to offer us wisdom.  How do we know the thoughts we have ARE in God's sovereign plan?  James tells us what it looks like when we get wisdom from God, as well:

James 3:17

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

When we get wisdom from God it is peaceable and gentle. It is open to reason. It demonstrates mercy to others.  I produces good fruit (results).  It is not partial and it is sincere.   Ask God for wisdom before you do any action for Him.