Making My Decisions Using the Light of God’s Word

In review of Psalm 119:105 this morning, I'm reminded that “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (NIV)

To walk safely in the woods at night I need a light so that I don't trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life, I walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be my light to show me the way ahead so that I won't stumble as I walk. It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies. My study of the Word will help me see my way clear enough to stay on the right path. 

Today I”m faced with more decisions than ever before. I live in a multiple-choice culture.

And my decisions are significant. Sometimes even little decisions are like the hinges that let a giant door swing, they seem so small but can completely change the direction of my life.

Since decisions matter so much, I must be wise in how I make them. The book of Proverbs says: “If you want better insight and discernment . . . learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him . . . He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time” (Proverbs 2:3-5, 9 TLB).

To listen to God when making a decision, I need to look at his Word. Do my decisions and actions line up with God’s will? Are they in harmony with God’s Word?

I have two choices about who my ultimate authority will be: the world or God’s Word, what other people say or what God says.

If I base my decisions on current popular opinion, I’ll always be on shaky ground because culture changes every day. On the other hand, if I base my decisions on God’s Word, I’ll have a solid foundation because his truth never changes.

When making a decision, it may feel like I’m bumping around in the dark. Fortunately, God has given me a flashlight: the Bible.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (NIV).

And when the light of God’s Word makes my choice clear, just obey, even if it doesn't make sense. I may not fully understand electricity, but that doesn’t stop me from turning on lights and watching tv. I don’t understand the physics of internal combustion, but I still drive a car.

I don’t need to understand why God says what he does in the Bible to benefit from it. I just need to obey his instruction and follow his principles. He gives his instructions for my benefit, and I’ll be blessed as a result of following them.

In summary, God's Work is a lamp for feet, it lights my path. The Bible can be my light to show me the way ahead so that I won't stumble. It will help me see my way clear enough to stay on the right path. I live in a multiple choice culture. My decisions are significant, even the little ones are like the hinges that let a giant door swing open, they seem small but can completely change the direction of my life. To listen to God when making a decision, I need to look at his Word. Do my decisions and actions line up with God's will? Are they in harmony with God's Word? When the light of God's Word makes my choice clear, I need to just obey, even when it doesn't make sense. I don't need to understand why God says what he does in order to benefit from it. I just need to obey and follow his principles. In the end I'll be blessed as a result of following them. 

Father, thank you for the reminder to your Word for decisions I need to make in my life. It has just occurred to me that as I look for what my next career / job change may be, I need to consider what your Word says and what you want from me. I do want to continue to live with integrity and make a difference in the lives of others. I ask for your wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.