Topic guide · 15 verses
Many people ask the same question in different seasons: what does God want me to do? The Bible speaks about his will on two levels. Some of it is plainly stated, such as loving others, living holy lives and giving thanks. Some of it is about wise choices where Scripture gives principles rather than a map. These passages cover both, along with the humility of making plans while trusting God to direct them. Christians differ on how much God gives specific direction, but all can start with what he has already said.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah answers what the Lord requires with three things: act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. It is a short summary of a faithful life.
“For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God; and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.”
Paul says God's will is the holiness of his people, including faithfulness and honor in relationships. Obedience in daily conduct is the first form of his will.
“Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Rejoicing, praying constantly and giving thanks are named as God's will for believers in Christ. These are available to everyone, whatever their circumstances.
“Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.””
Jesus says the whole Law hangs on two commands: love God completely and love your neighbor as yourself. Every other question of will begins here.
“This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Paul says God desires all people to be saved and to come to know the truth. His will is generous, not narrow.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
The proverb calls us to trust the Lord fully rather than lean on our own understanding, and promises that he will make our paths straight. Direction grows out of trust.
“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Paul links offering ourselves to God with a mind renewed to discern his good and perfect will. Discernment follows surrender, not the other way around.
“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
James says anyone who lacks wisdom should ask God, who gives generously and without scolding. Asking for wisdom is itself part of seeking his will.
“For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.”
A multitude of counselors brings safety, according to Proverbs. Seeking trusted, godly advice is a biblical way to test a decision.
“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.”
God promises to instruct and counsel the one who listens, with his eye upon them. Guidance is personal, not impersonal.
“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”
We make our plans, but the Lord establishes our steps. Planning is not wrong, but the final word is his.
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.””
James cautions against speaking as though tomorrow were guaranteed and suggests holding our plans with the words, if the Lord wills. It is a call to humility, not to inaction.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.”
Written to exiles in Babylon, this promise speaks of God's good plans for his people's welfare and future. It is a word of hope for a community, and it also encourages individuals.
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask that God's will be done on earth as in heaven. Praying for his will is the heart of seeking it.
“And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.””
In Gethsemane, Jesus honestly brings his desire to the Father and then submits to the Father's will. He shows that bringing our wishes and yielding them can happen in one prayer.
Lord, show me what you want, and give me the courage to do the next thing you have made clear. I hold my plans loosely and trust you to direct my steps. Amen.
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