New Year, New Decisions

"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. [When you turn your ear to wisdom] then you will understand what is right and just and fair--EVERY GOOD path."

Proverbs 2:2,6,9 (Emphasis mine)

Making wise decisions is not easy for anyone. So how do you know you are making the wisest decisions with the people and things that matter most to you this New Year?

Many decisions are made by weighing pros against cons, but there is a spiritual component to making wise decisions that we often overlook. As King Solomon said in Proverbs 2, it is God who gives us wisdom, and that wisdom can lead us down every good path.

So how do we know we are headed down those good paths? It has everything to do with whether we consistently "turn our ear" to God's wisdom. The Hebrew word natah is the word used here for turning one's ear or inclining one's heart toward something. When we direct our hearts toward God and His ways (how He would do something or how He would love someone), He helps us to make the wise decisions that point us toward "every good path".

But it takes work and patience! Wisdom takes hard work, repeatedly coming back to God, and asking Him for help. Solomon said we must "call out", "cry aloud", "look for", and "search for" God's wisdom. When I commit to search for something or to find an answer to a question, that's often when God shines His light so that I can see it.

As you consider what you want to accomplish in 2021, think about these questions: What do you need to incline your heart towards this year? Regardless of how everyone else is doing things, what decisions do you need to get right this year? Who are the most important people you want to connect with this year? What are the most important endeavors you want to achieve?

Take 10 minutes today to sit down and write out the decisions, the people, and the endeavors that are most important to you this year. Then spend a few minutes asking God to give you His wisdom for how to approach each of these things or people that matter most to you this year.

Happy New Year!

Todd