15 October Numbers 9

Consulting God before deciding

Numbers 9:8 (NIV) “Moses answered them, “Wait until I find out what the Lord commands concerning you.” This verse shares a powerful truth and a strong challenge for each of us in our lives and our choices. As the leader of God's people, Moses listens to their questions about what they should do in different situations. The people suggest what they think is the right thing to do, but Moses stops them and says, "Hold on. I want to hear what the Lord commands before anyone does anything". Before making any decision, Moses said, "We need to ask God for guidance. We shouldn't just act on our ideas or thoughts. We want to make sure we're doing exactly what God wants." This approach to decision-making should guide all our choices. Ask God for guidance whenever you decide, especially an important one this is confirmed by:

Psalm 48:14 (NIV) “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end”.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (TPT) “Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go”.

We don't see the whole picture when we only trust our understanding. Things might seem straightforward, but we must rely on God to guide us, even in small decisions. Making the right choices in small matters can help prevent more significant problems later. God is always ready to help guide us in every part of our lives and every decision we face. It's up to us to take the time to ask for His guidance in what we should do. Psalm 37:5 (TPT) “Give God the right to direct your life, and as you trust him along the way you’ll find he pulled it off perfectly!”.

In conclusion, Moses's example in Numbers 9:8 reminds us of the importance of seeking God's guidance in every big or small decision. Moses didn't rely on his judgment or the people's opinions; instead, he paused and sought God's direction. This is a powerful reminder to do the same in our lives.

God promises to guide us faithfully, as seen in Psalm 48:14, and He encourages us to trust Him fully, as Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches. When we consult God and trust His wisdom over our understanding, we align ourselves with His perfect plan. Inviting Him into even the most minor decisions creates space for His guidance to lead us down the best path.

As Psalm 37:5 beautifully puts it, when we allow God to direct our lives and trust Him, we will see how perfectly He orchestrates everything. Let us commit to making God the centre of our decision-making, trusting He will guide us to what is right and proper.