As the title of this issue of Theology for Life Magazine reminds us, it is crucial for Christians to remember that the Holy Spirit is a who, not a what. He is the third person of the triune God who has revealed Himself to us in Scripture. So, when we talk about the Holy Spirit helping us make decisions, we are speaking of a Counselor who comes along side us, not an impersonal force that moves us or a fate that just “happens” to us.

In John 14, Jesus speaks of His own fast-approaching departure, but promises that He will send His Helper (also translated Counselor, Comforter, and Advocate) who is the Spirit (John 16-17). Some aspects of the Spirit’s ministry were perhaps constrained to the Apostles themselves, as we see in verses 25-26, teaching them all things and bringing to memory Jesus’ words to them after His ascension. Yet, other aspects of the Spirit’s work are universal to all of God’s people. This is why Jesus would speak of giving the Spirit “forever” (16), and the fact that “he dwells with you and will be in you” (17).

But how does this Helper help us? How does this Counselor counsel us? Can we count on the Holy Spirit to assist us in making decisions, small or great, in our present circumstances and even future planning? This is not only an issue worth considering, but an issue that needs settling if we are to confidently move through the many-channeled possibilities of daily life.

The Spirit is Promised, and He Promises to Help

As mentioned already, Jesus promises to send His Spirit and that His Spirit will be our helper and counselor. Elsewhere in Scripture we learn that part of the Spirit’s help comes in the form of helping us pray even though we don’t always even know what to ask or how to put our prayers into words (Romans 8:26). The Spirit also teaches us and matures us in such a way as to bring about His gracious “fruits” in our hearts and in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).

This kind of help is certainly part of how the Spirit assists us in making decisions. Every unction to pray, every choice to be kind to others or temperate in the face of temptation—these are necessary elements of making godly decisions on a consistent basis. This daily forming of holy habits should not be underestimated or overlooked, because no amount of wisdom for big or public decisions will help if our daily, private life is not displaying the fruits of the Spirit.

Yet it is still true that every Christian, no matter how spiritually mature they may be, will frequently face crossroads that require more wisdom or insight than they personally possess. After all, none of us can see the future, or calculate every possible risk, or even know ourselves perfectly. Thankfully, we know Someone who does.

While Every Decision is Different, Some Things are the Same

While every choice, whether large or small, is going to have its own distinct set of challenges, there are three basic principles that we should apply in every life situation. This does not mean discerning God’s will always be easy, but God does promise to lead us, in His own good time and way, when we apply these principles faithfully! Ultimately, then, in order to know God’s will in any given situation, we must approach every decision:

1) Biblically

God’ Word is sufficient to equip us for righteous living (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Spirit will never lead contrary to what He has already revealed in His Word. While the Bible does not answer every question for us, it does reveal invariable principles and priorities that should govern every decision. This means we cannot confidently know God’s will if we do not know His Word. There is no shortcut here, no easy way around the necessary groundwork of seeking to know God through His revealed, inerrant, sufficient Word.

2) Prayerfully

God has promised to answer prayers (Matthew 7:7-11; James 1:5; Psalm 3:5-7). He has not promised to answer on our timetable, or even in ways that we necessarily expect. But He does answer in ways we can understand and follow (Psalm 27:11). Again, there is no shortcut for intimate, intense time with God, praying for the Spirit’s help and waiting patiently on His timing and direction.

3) Spiritually

Spiritual faith is necessary for discerning God’s will (Psalm 25:8-10). For the Spirit to be our helper and counselor, we have to be willing to submit totally to His authority in our lives. An unbeliever can read the Bible and pray, but God does not lead unbelievers in His good ways. God helps those who seek Him first (Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 6:33). Some of the means God often uses, by His Spirit, to guide His people are:

• Godly, wise counselors (Proverbs 24:6; 1:7).
• Providential limitations or opportunities, closing or opening doors (1 Corinthians 16:9).
• A good desire in your own heart (1 Timothy 3:1).
• Giftedness/aptitudes for certain efforts (1 Corinthians 12).
• Hard work towards a good goal (Proverbs 18:22; 31:10-31; Luke 14:28-30).
• Peace of mind/heart (Psalm 25:12-13a).

In the end, there is no formula for spiritual decision making. The only necessary ingredient is the Spirit Himself, but this fact necessarily means we will rarely be allowed to do things our own way or on our own timetable. This is not only because God is infinitely wiser than we are; it is also because part of what God is working in us, by His Spirit, is not only good decision making but genuine dependence on Him.

Just as with ancient Israel, God may just give us enough manna for each day, enough wisdom for the road right at our feet, enough strength to fulfill today’s tasks. And that is part of the Spirit’s helping and counseling as well, because it is training our hearts, not only make wise decisions, but to need Him above all else.