Making Sound Decisions

       I am currently reading in 1 Samuel, and as I was reading through chapter ten, I read something very interesting.  After pouring oil on Saul's head to anoint him king over Israel, Samuel informs Saul of several events that will take place.  Then, Samuel makes the following statement in verse seven-"And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee."

       This really struck me!  So often, we think that we must pray before we make ANY decision, but that's not what the Bible says here.  Rather, it teaches us an important lesson-If we live our lives constantly seeking God through prayer and through His Word, and if we live completely surrendered to Him, then we will be able to make decisions that will honor and glorify Him!  I am not suggesting that we never need to pray before making decisions-sometimes we do need to.  But many times, a Spirit-filled Christian will be able to make the right decision, simply because He knows the heart of his Father.  God created us with minds that are way more powerful and brilliant than any device ever made by man-so let's use our brains!

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."  Psalm 111:10

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  2 Timothy 1:7

Humility

       I read the following portion of scripture recently; take a look at it, and notice the highlighted words.  "And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.  In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.  And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.  And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.  And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.  Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?  And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing."  (I Kings 3:4-10)

       Obviously, Solomon had his priorities right when he asked for an understanding heart.  But notice how he asked.  He didn't just say, "God, please give me an understanding heart to judge my people."  He prayed, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people."  Solomon used the words "thee," "thou," and "thy" fourteen times!  He understood two important things- 1. Who he was-  "a little child."  2. Who he was talking to- God.  Solomon asked in humility.

       Wow!  How often do I pray, "God, please give me wisdom to make this decision about what I'm  going to do at this point in my life."  Instead, I should be asking God to show me His will so that I can live this life for Him.  James 4:3 says, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."  I wonder how many times we don't receive an answer from God because we ask for the wrong reason or with the wrong attitude?

 "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and 

honour, and life."  Proverbs 22:4