Decision-Making for Personal Development

Decision-making for personal development can be difficult to do on your own. But here are some guiding principles from the Bible, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a Christian counselor for guidance and support.

When you are faced with decision-making, what steps do you take to make a wise decision? How do you move forward in ways that honor God and result in personal growth? Before making a final decision, these are important things to consider.

Every day we are faced with thousands of choices. Most of our choices are inconsequential, but some decisions have life-altering effects. Those important decisions are where we need guidance from God about decision-making. Here are several key verses to help guide you when you need to make a decision.

Bible verses for decision-making.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105, ESV

The first place to turn in decision-making for personal development is God’s word. If you turn to God’s word frequently, He will speak to you through the words that you read. Whether you are facing a decision about your health, career, goals, or relationships, the Bible has timeless wisdom to offer. God knows exactly which step you need to take and will light the way for you if you open up the Bible to look for direction.

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. – Psalm 5:8, ESV

You may not know the right path to take, but God does. He knows the path that will lead you toward temptation and defeat, as well as the path that will lead you toward growth and personal development. Use this verse as a prayer when you need God to make the way ahead plain and clear to you. Ask God to lead you so that you will not stumble in the wrong direction.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6, ESV

Decision-making can be stressful, even when it is for personal development. You may feel worried about making the right choices or not considering everything possible for the best decision. This is a key verse you can apply anytime you are tempted to worry. Turn to God in prayer, asking him for everything you need, and thanking him in advance for the answer he will provide.

You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you, and you will pay your vows. You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways. For when they are humbled you say, ‘It is because of pride;’ but he saves the lowly. – Job 22:27-29, ESV

God hears every prayer you offer when making decisions for personal development. Because he wants you to shine his glory into the world, he will guide you to succeed in whatever you choose to do. Ask him for help as many times as you need, and as you fulfill your vows to him and obedience, he will hear and answer your prayers.

And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. – Exodus 18:22, ESV

In certain instances of personal development, you might be able to delegate decision-making to others. For example, you may need to work with a financial advisor to help guide your decisions for managing your money better.

Another example might be working with a dietitian to help you make informed choices about incorporating healthy foods into your diet. You don’t have to operate all alone; be sure to choose qualified professionals for your team, including a trained Christian counselor.

And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and intended to fight against Jerusalem, he planned with his officers and his mighty men to stop the water of the springs that were outside the city; and they helped him. – 2 Chronicles 32:2-3, ESV

When you seek consultation from trusted friends, family members, colleagues, or professionals before decision-making, you can gain insights for personal development that you cannot reach yourself. Make a list of several people you trust with whom you can meet before making an important decision. Tell them you need advice for personal development, and welcome their feedback with an open spirit.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul[a] had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. – Acts 16:9-10, ESV

God sometimes chooses dreams as the delivery system for wisdom in our decision-making. You may have experienced a dream that you don’t know how to interpret, but you think it might help you in decision-making for personal development. When you consult with a qualified Christian counselor on this issue, he or she can help you discern the message that God might want to send you about making your decision.

It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. – Romans 14:21-23, ESV

It’s important to consider how your decision will impact the lives of others. Your decision could affect your marriage. Your decision as a parent could impact your children. Your decision has the potential to affect people on your team at work, in your church, or on your committee.

You can make the best possible decision for your personal development and the benefit of others when you are in touch with your convictions. A Christian counselor can help you make a wise decision based on your value system.

For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. – 1 Corinthians 4:4-5, ESV

Whatever decision you land come to, remember to hold it loosely before God. Even if your conscience is clear that you made the right decision, God gets the final say. He may direct you differently right at the last minute or even after you make a decision. Since this can be hard to discern on your own, you can consult with your own trusted team or with a caring Christian counselor.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV

Though this passage specifically applies to giving to the church, we can also apply it to our decision-making for personal development. Ask yourself if you are saying yes due to a sense of obligation that could cause resentment to build. You can also ask yourself if you are responding to any pressure that is unhealthy for you. To gain an objective, third-party view, you can consult with your counselor as well.

Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he. – Ecclesiastes 6:10, NLT

Because God is sovereign and determines what will happen in your life, you can make informed choices. You can rest assured that whatever decision you make for your personal development, God will lead you and protect you as long as you are walking in his will.

Christian counseling for decision-making and personal development

Turn to the Scriptures when you need guidance on major decisions. But don’t hesitate to seek support and insight from a trusted Christian counselor. Your counselor can help you get everything out on the table for consideration and unpack any roots of anxiety or doubt you might have.

When you are seeking both personal development and wisdom and decision-making, a Christian counselor can be an invaluable resource for you. Contact us today to set up an initial appointment.