So often we toss and turn over decisions, wondering if we are making a choice in (or out of) line with God’s will and plan for us. I have done this time and time again in my life, from little everyday choices to big life purpose kind of questions.
Is this job your will for me, Lord, or should I work here instead? Am I living in the place you have for me, or should I go to that place? Is it your will for me to serve in this ministry or to go on this trip or to reach out to this person or take this class or go to this school?
Please don’t hear what I’m not saying. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t pray over little decisions, jobs, schools, life callings, how you educate your children, where you live, what you buy, what you don’t buy, where you go to church, or how much you give. Nor am I saying that God hasn’t uniquely gifted you and called you to a plan uniquely yours, for unquestionably, “we have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:6).
What I am saying is that we often get so entangled in our own thoughts about whether or not we’re living out His purpose that we, in effect, don’t do some of the very things He has so clearly laid out before us as His will. Do you know what I mean?
I take heart to know that the Word very clearly gives us directives on God’s will and purpose for our lives. I know I regularly need to get away from my own questions and doubts about whether this choice or that is within His will, and be grounded back to the truth of what the Word says is His will.
These verses are less a list of commands (although most definitely some are commands for every believer) and more of a “when you’re in doubt about what to do in your life, or whether you’re living out your purpose, do these things, and you can know that you are doing His will.”
I pray these verses will steady you and anchor you; that you will be able to turn your mind and heart from your thoughts/questions/feelings/doubts about your purpose, to His truth about His will and purpose for you (like I so desperately need to do!).
[Words of Jesus in red]
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:1618
This is my command: Love each other. John 15:17
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men… Col.3:23
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20
The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. Romans 12:20
For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life. John 6:40
…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands. 1 Thes.4:11
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail…” Isaiah 58:9-11
As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col.3:12
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
This is definitely not an exhaustive list. For every verse here, there are at least ten more that speak of His plans, purpose, and commands for how to live. But I pray these verses will steady you and anchor you; that you will be able to turn your mind and heart from your thoughts/questions/feelings/doubts about your purpose, to His truth about His will and purpose for you (like I so desperately need to do!).
As I finished up this post, I asked my husband if there were any verses that really spoke to Him about God’s will. Right away he shared Jeremiah 29:12-13 “…You will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.
> > > > > < < < < < <
So in counting on in true Monday fashion, today I simply thank God that His plans for us are not a secret (#73), that He promises that we can call upon Him and pray to Him and He hears us (#74), that He wants us to know Him (#75) and know His will (#76), that it is not His desire that we be left in the dark about His plans and purposes for our lives. He longs to show himself to us and be known by us. And miraculously, the Lord of all creation longs to be gracious to us. (Is. 30:18, #77)
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I hope to continue adding more verses, so please feel free to leave a favorite will-of-God kind of Bible verse in the comments.
Please comment & join the conversation: Do you get caught up in the “what’s my purpose, God?!” thinking cycle? What other verses have anchored you as you live out your life?
@mercyink
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I definitely have gotten caught up in asking God “is this your will for my life”? But, I was convicted several months ago to simply start living out what he’s ALREADY commanded us to do. Only then will I be in a place where I can be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance when it comes to the details of His unique plan for my life.
Great verses, btw! All are so very encouraging!
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Exactly, Alana! Thanks for sharing your heart and being obedient :)
We moved our family overseas to the mission field, and when we were in the preparation stages many asked us how we felt “called” to go. How did we know it was God’s will for our life? Tough questions. We were convinced that because God had even put the idea into our minds, and we were willing, that meant we were called. He showed us a path, and we started down it, believing that if it wasn’t His will, He would show us that we needed to change paths. Following God’s will is largely being willing to change directions when you feel His promptings. I agree with you, that we often spend too much time “thinking” rather than “doing.” We just need to start down a path, and be willing to change if necessary.
Visiting from Madagascar at Grace For That
Karina: I love that, you’ve said it so well. And I think it’s really about obedience at some point, too, right? We sense that prompting from God, so we act on it {assuming it is something in line with what we know to be true about Him and His will}. And when we are open, near to Him, seeking Him, He will direct our paths as we trust (Prov.3:5-6). Love that. Thanks for stopping in! :)
Yes indeed, we should follow and obey these specific things which God commands us to follow in His Word. Often whilst we are carrying out these specific commands, God reveals the next step we should take regarding His will regarding personal situations. Very good point.
I love these! My first blog was called “in everything give thanks” and I still love that.
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We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one
that is waiting for us.
Only love interests me, and I am only in contact with
things that revolve around love.
The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy
of the malcontents.
I’m an idealist. I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way.
Great verses! So glad you shared. :)
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