Think about the major decisions we’ll need to make over our lifetime. Things like choosing a university, deciding what career to pursue, choosing a partner, and deciding where to live and when to move. These are life-altering events, so it’s important that we practice making consistently wise choices with the smaller things we’re facing now.

Psychologist Jennifer Winquist wrote: ‘We make choices based on what feels best, what’s easiest…fastest…shuts up the boss…stops our problem for the moment…We buy wants instead of saving for necessities…We eat a bag of [crisps] instead of a bag of carrots…We don’t plan to fail, but unless we plan to win by making wise choices, we can end up getting the short end of the stick…Wise choices aren’t usually quick fixes, selfish, or short-term; they involve planning, hard work, sacrifice, and resilience. But the rewards are huge.’

James said, ’If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticising you’ (James 1:5 NCV). John Mason says growing in wisdom means fearing God, pleasing Him, hearing from Him, looking to Him, choosing His way, staying humble before Him, taking His advice, receiving His correction, maintaining a prayer connection with Him, and knowing His Son personally (see Psalm 111:10; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Proverbs 2:6; 3:13; 8:10-11; 11:2; 13:10; 29:15; Ephesians 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:30).

As God’s children, we have access to the wisdom of the Creator of the universe. And when we develop the patience and maturity to make the wise, godly choice instead of the easy one, we never have to live in fear or dread the outcome.

What Now?

Try involving God in every decision you need to make today, big ones and small ones.