Whether we face a life-altering decision or are simply making everyday choices, we long to discern God’s wisdom.
In Philippians 1:2, Paul writes that he is confident that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6). But how do we know what “good work” God is calling us to?
While there is no simple formula to apply, we can call upon God for His guidance in every situation. The message of the book of Philippians is that we can walk in confidence when we are in Christ.
Our first step toward discerning God’s wisdom is humbly seeking the Lord in prayer.
In Philippians 4:6, Paul reminds us “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, [to] present [our] requests to God.”
Philippians 4:19 calls us to trust in God’s sovereignty and providence. Paul promises that “my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:9-10 gives us an example of how to pray for love, knowledge, and discernment “so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”
Through prayer, we lean upon God and depend on Him as we seek His will in every situation and decision. When we bow before the Lord in prayer, we realize our insufficiency and understand that God is the source of everything we need.
See also Psalm 25:9, Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:5-7, Romans 8:26, Colossians 4:12.
Along with prayer, God offers guidance through the Bible. Scripture reveals that God promises to guide and provide wisdom to believers who seek and surrender to His leading. God always upholds His Word and never leads us on a path toward sin. Instead, God always directs us toward His righteous ways.
In Philippians 2:15-16, Paul tells us when we “hold firmly to the word of life” we “shine among them like stars in the sky” in contrast with the unbelieving world around us.
See also Psalm 23:3b, 2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 4:12.
In seeking God’s direction for our lives, we are not alone. God provides wise counselors, leaders, and Christian friends to prayerfully offer wisdom. Seeking wise counsel can offer further confirmation of God’s direction after a time of earnest prayer and Bible study.
In Philippians 3:17, Paul calls the church to “join together in following my example...and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”
See also Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 19:20-21, Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 28:26, 1 John 4:1.
When we take our need for wisdom to God in prayer, He often gives guidance through a settled inward peace. Conversely, an inward check or unsettledness should give us caution about proceeding. God’s way provides unexplainable peace, even when following His direction brings challenges.
Philippians 4:7 tells us that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
See also Romans 15:13, Romans 8:6, Psalm 29:11.
While we cannot fully know the mind of God, He delights to help us know the way we should walk in this life
