“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.

Making decisions in life is not always easy. At our best, we consider all the facts and weigh which choice best meets our needs. Still, we can only see from a human perspective, with limited sight and knowledge. So our greatest advantage comes when we first seek God’s divine guidance. His sovereign rule, will, and glory should drive all that we strive to do on this journey called life. Scripture admonishes us: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.

The account of the disciples’ appointment of an additional apostle gives us a clear view of how we should seek God’s guidance in decision-making. First, they carefully chose two men from the faithful saints who followed Jesus. Acts 1:21-22 states, “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”

The criteria were set, and the two candidates were selected, but the final decision was not made without seeking divine guidance from the Lord. “And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,” Acts 1:24. God answered, and Matthias was chosen that day to join the twelve and replace Judas Iscariot.

What lessons can we learn from this account? When it came to making the ultimate decision, the apostles first prayed and sought the Lord’s guidance. Second, they knew that God is omniscient and knows the heart of every man; He knew best who should fill the office of His apostle. And third, they fully relied on God and followed His divine will.

Let us follow the example of the apostles when making our own decisions by:

• Beginning with prayer: prayer is our direct communication with God; everything that we do should be guided by prayer. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6.
• Trusting in the Lord to provide the best direction: God is omniscient and all-wise; He knows the hearts and minds of all involved… He alone will direct us in the choices that align with His divine will for our lives. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
• Finally, following where He leads: Our obedience to God’s will brings blessings. “But He said, ‘On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.’” Luke 11:28.

We can rest assured that when we wholeheartedly seek God first, He will provide the direction, means, and insight to exactly what is needed. He loves us and will always keep us under the arms of His protective care. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 1:1.

May God’s peace and grace be with all of us.