What was the last choice you made? It could have been something simple like deciding what to have for breakfast. Possibly something more difficult like confronting someone about what they said to you. Decisions are a part of our daily lives. Yet, it’s not the choices that are presented to us that impact our lives, rather it’s what we decide that matters. I’m sure that we can all agree that we want to make the right decisions since the right decisions bring the right outcomes into our lives. For followers of Jesus, I would go even further to say we don’t want to simply make the right decisions, but we want to make “God decisions.” These choices are God–honoring and allow for His perfect will to be done in our lives. Perfect will. That sounds amazing, right!? But how do we know the choices we make are leading us to that will?

For one, God has given us His written Word through the Bible. Following the explicit teachings and commands in the Bible is a necessary habit for us to have and assures that we are in God’s will. What about topics that aren’t explicitly found in Scripture? Like what college you should attend or who you should date? In cases like these we can rely on direct words from God to our hearts or the support and affirmation of godly community in our lives. But, what about the situations when it feels like everyone including God is silent and it seems as though you are the first person to have to make a choice like this?

Now, I have made some bad decisions in my life. Some out of plain ignorance and others out of plain disobedience. I’ve also made some great decisions that have made my life better in many ways. Over time, I have noticed my decision making revolves around one aspect: peace. A feeling of peace—or the lack of peace is always present. Have you ever had a moment where you think about doing something, then you have a thought in your mind or a feeling in your stomach that simply says ‘No, I shouldn’t do this’? That physical experience comes from a spiritual leading. A leading by God through His Holy Spirit.

God’s Spirit is defined with many attributes throughout the Bible. One that He is defined as by Jesus Himself is found in the Gospel of John chapter 14 verse 16. Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever”.  Another attribute of God’s Spirit is peace. Part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace, so He Himself is peace. I strongly believe that God wants to help lead us into godly decision making by confirming our choices through His peace. There’s a passage I believe connects God’s peace and decision-making together that will help us. It’s Philippians 4:6-7: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we invite God into our decision-making process, He is faithful to answer us with His peace.

Now I will give a full disclaimer: sometimes the choice God is leading us to make is not what we would prefer. It is not an easy choice. It is not a comfortable choice. It is a scary choice. There are times when on the outside everything looks right about the one option, but God leads you to choose something else that to the world, to your friends, to your parents, even to yourself doesn’t make sense. In those moments I fully encourage you to tap into your heart. Are you experiencing restlessness and racing thoughts? Choose peace. Are you able to have a full night’s rest and not experience a sense of guilt even though you had to say no to what you wanted? Choose peace. I have been in a time of my life where I traded the peace of God for my own understanding and my own preferences. I am telling you now, that making a choice outside of the peace of God will not benefit you. You can’t fake peace. You may try to create your own through distractions, people, or even through bad habits and addictions. Those will all run out and you will still find yourself without peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Making the right choices can be difficult sometimes. The result of making the right choices is fully worth what we may have to surrender and endure along the way. Let the peace of God guard your heart and mind in the tough decisions. Rest in the goodness of the simpler ones. Trust in the peace that God gives through all of them. His peace is a powerful tool of assurance that lets us know that we are on the right path of His will for our lives.

(Bible Verses from the New International Version)