Talking to God First: The Key to Wise Decisions

Article written by Michele A. Towers

Life is packed with major decisions:

• Should I marry him?
• Should I accept this new job?
• Should I cut off that relative who talks behind my back?

We always want to make the right choices, but sometimes are not sure what to do. And because God created us to be dependent upon one another, it is natural to talk about the important issues of life with a friend or loved one. The Bible, in fact, tells us that it is good to seek the counsel of others:

“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.” Proverbs 19:20 (NKJV)

Having people in your life who can guide you to make wise decisions is a tremendous blessing, but it is important to remember that no one can give you advice as perfectly as God can.

He knows everything about you. He has laid out a plan for your life. He knows the beginning from the end. He will never mislead you.

Still, many of us tend to reach out to people before we turn to God. Not because we don’t trust Him, but because our human nature craves two things: speed and ease.

Hearing from God is not complicated, but it can take time. In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow who continually pleaded with a judge until he finally granted her request. He wasn’t moved by compassion—he simply gave in because she wore him down with her persistence.

Jesus used this story to show the power of persistent prayer. God values our waiting, knowing that His answers come at the right time and bring lasting reward. But when we rush to friends and family first, we risk shortcutting His process and settling for substitutes instead of His best.

Another reason we lean on others before God is simple: it feels easier.

It is natural to want to meet a friend over coffee to discuss your problems, rather than sitting alone with God. There is something about that instant gratification we get from hearing our friend’s physical voice, which is often easier to hear than the still quiet voice of God.

Friendships develop when we are willing to commit time and energy into a relationship. True friendships blossom when gifts of time, patience, and love are given from both sides. It is this effort and sacrifice that makes it easy for us to confide in others, which leads us to readily receive their advice.

Just as we invest time, energy and effort into our earthly relationships, the same applies to our relationship with God. He longs to have a meaningful relationship with us - so much deeper than we are able to experience with anyone else. Not only that, but He is eager to commit the time, energy and effort to develop a deep friendship with you. And although it requires sacrifice on our part to intimately know Him, it is so worth it. In fact, it positions us to receive the kind of guidance we need:

“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord ’s counsel—that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21, NKJV)

God holds the answers to every question and concern. We can seek His counsel by reading His Word, asking Him in prayer, and learning His ways through solid Bible teaching.

We should always appreciate the wise friends God places in our lives. But above all, let’s remember this powerful reminder from Joyce Meyer:

“Go to the throne, not to the phone!”