God’s Will

While preparing for a message on godly counsel, I ran across an article from The Village about whether or not Christians should take medication for depression.  You can check out the full article here: Depression, Drugs and the Desires of the Heart.

But what really struck me about this article is that these principles will help anyone trying to make godly decisions.  I’ve adapted the wording a little below.  Hopefully this will help someone else.

1. With the decision you need to make – what is the Lord exposing, challenging and redeeming in your life?

Has the Lord put a challenge in your life to help you grow.  Are you just looking for an easy way out?

2. How will your choice help sanctify you and give glory to God?

Will this decision bring honor to the one who gave His life for you? Will it help you take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you?

3. Are you honestly, confidently and desperately approaching the Father in prayer?

We need to be examining the scriptures, seeking godly counsel and examining our circumstances.  But if we really want to hear God’s voice we also need to spend time in prayer.

4. Have you invited wise, loving, Christ-cherishing men or women into your life who listen to your struggles and counsel you wisely? Or are you trying to go it alone?

If you don’t have these people already in your life, pray that God will send them your way.  Elijah thought he was alone and there were 7000 who had not bowed a knee.  You might be surprised were you can find godly counsel.

5. Is your decision an expression of faith in Christ and a desire to love Him and others? Are you making a decision out of faith or fear?

I learned this on one of the darkest days of my life.  I was about to make a decision out of fear and a godly friend helped me see that I should not make decisions out of fear, but out of faith.  What is guiding your decision.

6. Will your decision edify the body of Christ or tear it down? 

Remember your decisions will affect others. I just read this in Joshua this morning.

²⁰ When Achan son of Zerah was unfaithful in regard to the devoted things, did not wrath come on the whole community of Israel? He was not the only one who died for his sin.’”

7. How is this decision an extension of the larger mission of your life?

Is this ultimately helping you accomplish what God has for you?  Does it fit?

Next week we’ll be looking at how circumstances can help us determine God’s will.