Our decisions determine our destiny.

Past decisions have led us to where we are right now.

And the life we live tomorrow will be the result of decisions we make today.

You see, success in life is simply making more right decisions than wrong decisions.

I recently received a text from a friend who was on the verge of making a life-altering decision.

I was hesitant to get involved so late in the process, but after reading his text, I immediately replied with my concerns. My desire to see my friend succeed outweighed my reluctance.

In the same way that I wanted to help my friend, God wants to step in and help each of us make better decisions so we can live better lives. All we have to do is pay attention.

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20 (NIV)

I’ve had a front row seat to hundreds of people’s lives. I’ve observed a lot of good decisions and a lot of bad ones.

In my experience, people make poor decisions for the following reasons:

1. Pressure
When we feel pressured, we often make rash decisions. Then we regret them. Don’t let others pressure you into making a decision. If it’s God today, it will be God tomorrow.

2. Short-sightedness
We shouldn’t allow our present desires to influence our long-term goals. Buying that big screen television would be really satisfying but it’s not going to get us any closer to getting out of debt.

3. Overwhelmed
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when our decisions affect others. Whether it’s our family, our employees, or our friends… no man is an island.

4. Fear
Any decision made in fear is the wrong decision. As believers, we are called to believe. We should believe that because God is on our side, we will always come out ahead. Rely on his perfect love to cast out fear.

Right Thinking Leads To Right Living

The secret to making better decisions is in spending time in prayer and meditating on God’s promises for your life.

Start by reading the Book of Proverbs, one chapter each day for the next 31 days.

As you read, there will be one or two scriptures that seem to pop off of the page. That’s God speaking to you through His word. Meditate on those lines the rest of the day.

Soon you’ll notice that you’re more in tune with your heart (your internal decision maker), and before you know it, you’ll experience what I call, “High Definition Spiritual Clarity.”

The Big Red Reset Button

If you’re thinking Pastor Nicole, “I’ve made some really horrible decisions… I don’t know how I can get back on track.” I have good news for you.

God’s mercies are new every morning. That means it doesn’t matter how horribly you screwed up yesterday. That’s in the past.

God has promised not to remember your sins, shortcomings, or lapses in judgement – so why should you? Today is a new day. Start fresh.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Ask And You Shall Receive

The Bible says we have not because we ask not. So today, let’s ask God to help us make better decisions.

Let’s ask Him to help us to stop blaming others and start accepting responsibility, to stop postponing decisions we know we need to make, and to start following our heart rather than succumbing to pressure and outside influences.

All we have to do is ask. Pray this prayer with me.

Dear God: I want to see Your will fulfilled in my life. Help me to tune into your Spirit as I read Your word and meditate on Your sayings. Regardless of the circumstances, I thank you for giving me supernatural clarity in my decision-making. In Jesus name. Amen.