Have you ever made a poor decision and wondered later, “What was I thinking?” I believe if we are honest, we have all made some poor decisions in our lives and we can be thankful for God’s mercy and patience. The question is, how do we go about making wise decisions?
Jephthah Made a Foolish Decision
Jephthah was a person of faith and God used him to bring Israel a great victory. But he wasn’t sure of himself and made a foolish vow.
Judges 11:30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord. He said, “If you give me victory over the Ammonites, 31 I will give to the Lord whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” 32 So Jephthah led his army against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave him victory…34 When Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, his daughter came out to meet him, playing on a tambourine and dancing for joy. She was his one and only child; he had no other sons or daughters. 35 When he saw her, he tore his clothes in anguish. “Oh, my daughter!” he cried out. “You have completely destroyed me! You’ve brought disaster on me! For I have made a vow to the Lord, and I cannot take it back.”[1]
Foolish decisions can have long term repercussions. Did Jephthah perform a forbidden child sacrifice? I don’t think he killed his daughter but had her dedicated to temple service like Anna of Luke 2. Fortunately, we can humble ourselves and repent when we make poor decisions.
Tips for Making Wise Decisions
Making wise decisions is not easy, but here are some helps that work for me that might help you also.
- Meditate on God’s Word – God’s Word is full of wisdom for us. We can dwell on it and let it guide us in our decision making. It’s there to help us know God’s heart. If we meditate and read God’s Word regularly then we will have His peace when we make the decision that He desires. In Joshua 1:8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. [2]
- Spend time in prayer – If we keep the lines of communication open with our Father, we’ll have His peace as we make decisions. He wants to hear from you, and He desires to speak to you about your life. James 5:16The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.[3]
- Seek wise counselors – It’s good to have close friends of faith. They can pray and act as wise counselors. Proverbs 11:14Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers. [4]
Prayer
Father God, Your word says that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask, and You will give generously. I am about to make a huge decision in my life, but I don’t know how to go about it, I come to you today to ask you for wisdom. Lead me in the way that I should go that I may be able to bring glory to Your holy name. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.[5]
To hear more about making wise decisions, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-jephthah
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[5] https://connectusfund.org/11-best-prayers-for-guidance-in-decision-making