Life is full of crossroads, decisions, and seasons of uncertainty. But, whether you are navigating a major life change, choosing a career path, or simply needing clarity in your everyday journey, there comes a time when you need to ask for direction. As believers, we can turn to God, trusting in His wisdom, love, and perfect plan for our lives. But how do we ask God for guidance in a meaningful and intentional way? In this post, I’ll share how I’ve sought God’s guidance personally, especially in motherhood, and how you, too, can invite His direction into your life.
Why Should We Ask God for Guidance?
God Sees the Bigger Picture The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9 that God’s ways are higher than ours: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” When we seek God’s direction, we rely on His eternal perspective, not our limited view.
As a mom, this truth has been a lifeline. There have been so many days when I’ve felt unsure about how to parent my daughter—how to discipline in love, how to handle her struggles, or even how to encourage her faith. But I’ve learned to pray, “Lord, You see the whole picture. Help me trust You when I don’t have the answers.”
God Desires to Lead Us Psalm 32:8 reminds us of God’s willingness to direct our steps: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” God wants to lead us on the right path because He cares deeply for us.
It Builds Our Faith Seeking God’s guidance helps us trust Him more. When I look back at the times I’ve turned to Him—like when deciding whether to homeschool or send my child to school—I see how my faith grew, even in uncertainty. God’s direction doesn’t always come all at once, but He is faithful to lead us step by step.
Practical Steps to Ask God for Guidance
1. Pray Humbly and Specifically
The first step in asking God for direction is prayer. Approach God with humility, acknowledging that His wisdom is greater than your own. Be specific about the areas in which you need clarity. James 1:5 encourages us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Example Prayer: “Father, I need Your guidance as I make this decision. Please give me clarity, wisdom, and peace in the path You want me to take.”
There was a moment recently when my daughter was upset that a friend was unkind to her (She is 4). She came home in tears after being left out by a friend. I felt unsure of what to say or how to fix it—and that’s when I prayed. I asked God for words of comfort and wisdom to guide her through it. Even in parenting moments that break our hearts, God can give us the direction we need to be the mom our kids need.
2. Seek God’s Word
The Bible is God’s living word, full of wisdom, promises, and principles to guide us. Psalm 119:105 says: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” As you read Scripture, ask God to reveal His will to you and pay attention to verses or stories that resonate with your situation. Recently, I had a situation where a close friend told me something that had happened with another friend of mine a few years back. I was confused, angry and to be honest feeling a bit self-righteous. I opened my Bible and God took me to Proverbs 16, (18) "Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. (28) A contrary person spreads conflicts, and a gossip separates close friends."
God’s word reminded me that He is in control and that He’s leading me through even the messiest moments. I am not void of sin, mistakes, or hurting people and need grace just as much as anyone else.
3. Listen for God’s Voice
God often speaks through a gentle whisper, through circumstances, or through wise counsel from others. Take time to be still in His presence, quiet your heart, and listen. Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the stillness, God can speak to your heart and bring clarity.
4. Surrender Your Will
True guidance comes when we surrender our will and genuinely ask for God’s best, even if it’s not what we initially desire. Jesus demonstrated this beautifully in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42).
5. Look for Open and Closed Doors
As you seek God’s direction, pay attention to opportunities He places in front of you and doors that seem to close. God can use circumstances to redirect you, so trust His leading and remain open to changes.
6. Seek Wise Counsel
Proverbs 11:14 reminds us: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Seek advice from mature believers, pastors, or mentors who can pray with you and offer godly perspective.
7. Extend Grace to Leaders and Pastors
It’s important to recognize that those in pastoral roles or leadership positions within the church are also seeking God’s guidance. Just like moms, leaders don’t have all the answers. They, too, are learning and growing. Hebrews 13:17 reminds us to honor and support our leaders, as they are accountable to God for their work. Let’s extend grace, pray for our pastors, and encourage them, knowing that God is guiding them as well.
8. Give Our Kids Grace and Show Them How to Trust God
Motherhood has taught me so much about grace—not only giving it to my child but also to myself. There are days when I get it wrong, when I lose my patience or fail to listen well. But those are the moments I’ve learned to turn to God and teach my daughter to do the same. One night, after a rough bedtime battle, I laid next to her and prayed aloud for both of us. I asked God to give us both patience, love, and forgiveness. That moment turned into a precious opportunity to show her that God is the one we lean on when we feel weak. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
By modeling how to pray, trust, and listen for God’s voice, we help our children build their own faith and confidence in Him.
Trusting God’s Timing
Waiting for God’s guidance can be challenging, especially when answers don’t come as quickly as we’d like. However, God’s timing is perfect. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trust that as you seek Him faithfully, He will direct you in His perfect way and time.
Final Encouragement
Whether you’re a mom trying to navigate parenting decisions, a leader serving others, or simply someone in a season of uncertainty, remember that God is a loving Father who wants the best for you. Be patient, remain prayerful, and trust Him to lead you. Even when the path is unclear, God is working behind the scenes, preparing the way.
Let’s rest in the promise of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Call to Action:
Have you ever experienced God’s guidance in motherhood or life? Share your story or prayer requests in the comments below!
Spend time this week seeking God in prayer, reading His word, and inviting Him into the decisions you make.
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