What does God say about that?

We ask a lot of people for their opinions.

We ask our friends. We ask our spouse. We Google it. We search social media. We listen to podcasts. We read what somebody else did when they were in a similar situation. Sometimes we ask so many people that by the time we are finished, we have ten different answers and even less clarity than when we started.

There is nothing wrong with seeking wise counsel. Scripture actually tells us there is wisdom in it. But I have caught myself doing something that I think many of us do. I can spend a lot of time asking, “What do you think?” before I ever stop and ask, “God, what do You say?”

Those are two very different questions.

People can give us advice based on their experiences, their fears, their successes, their failures, and what makes sense to them. Sometimes that advice is incredibly helpful. But nobody else can take the place of God’s direction in our lives.

And even our own thoughts cannot take His place.

I have learned that just because something makes sense to me does not necessarily mean it is what God is asking me to do. On the other hand, something can make absolutely no sense to me and still be exactly where He is leading.

That is where trust becomes real.

Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “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.”

I think we love the part about Him making our paths straight. It is the part before that where we sometimes struggle. Do not lean on your own understanding.

My understanding wants to know how.

It wants to know when.

It wants to know what happens next.

It wants a little proof that everything is going to work out before I move.

But God has never promised to give me all of those answers before asking me to trust Him.

Sometimes He gives us a clear direction. Sometimes He gives us a Scripture we cannot get away from. Sometimes He closes a door we desperately wanted to stay open. Sometimes He simply gives us enough light for the next step.

That is why “What does God say about this?” has become such an important question for me.

Maybe you are facing a decision right now. Instead of beginning with, “What should I do?” try beginning with, “God, what have You already said?”

What does His Word say about fear? About wisdom? About forgiveness? About money? About integrity? About waiting? About how we treat people? About who we are? Sometimes we are asking God for a brand-new answer when He has already given us truth in His Word.

Other times, there may not be a verse that tells us whether to take that job, start that business, move to that city, end that project, or say yes to an opportunity. That is where prayer, wisdom, discernment, and knowing the character of God become so important.

And there is another piece of this that I think matters. God’s answer is not always the answer we wanted.

Sometimes we ask God what He says and then keep searching until we find someone who agrees with what we already decided.

I have been there too.

But if I am really asking God for His perspective, I have to be willing to receive it. Even when it challenges me. Even when it requires patience. Even when it means letting go. Even when His direction looks different from the plan I had already created.

The goal is not to get God to agree with my script.

The goal is to let Him rewrite it.

So the next time you find yourself surrounded by opinions, possibilities, fears, and questions, pay attention to who has the loudest voice.

Then get quiet for a minute.

Open your Bible. Pray. Listen. Ask for wisdom.

And ask the question:

What does God say about this?

You may not receive the entire plan. You may not know exactly how everything will turn out. But perhaps you do not need the entire plan today.

Maybe you just need enough truth for the next faithful step.

Father, there are so many voices competing for my attention. Help me recognize when I am looking everywhere for answers except to You. Give me wisdom to receive good counsel without allowing other voices to become louder than Yours. Teach me to know Your Word, recognize Your character, and trust Your direction even when I cannot see the whole plan. And when my own understanding wants to take over, remind me to ask You first: What do You say about this? In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before you ask what everyone else thinks, ask for God's opinion.