How can I know God’s will?

from the old testament

• Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Trusting God fully and seeking Him in all areas of life leads to clarity and direction in knowing His will.
• God’s will is revealed as we humbly ask Him to teach and guide us through His truth (Psalm 25:4-5).
• God promises to instruct us, guide us, and teach us when we seek Him (Psalm 32:8).
• Micah 6:8 tells us that God’s will includes living justly, kindly, and humbly in relationship with Him.

from the new testament

• A willing heart opens the door to recognizing God's direction (John 7:17).
• Believers renew their minds through God’s truth, which enables us to discern His will (Romans 12:1-2).
• First Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us that God's will includes a life of joy, prayer, and gratitude.
• Knowing God's will involves spiritual discernment and living under the Spirit’s influence (Ephesians 5:17-18).
• When seeking God's will, we are invited to ask Him for wisdom directly (James 1:5).
• Scripture indicates that God’s will is that by doing good we “should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Peter 2:15). First Thessalonians 4:3 also tells us that God’s will is to be sanctified and to avoid sexual immorality.
• We often want God to give us specifics about His will like decisions about work, relationships, and other life choices. But God gives us wisdom, wise counsel, and the ability to make decisions. If we are seeking Him and surrendered to Him, He guides us(see Acts 16:6-7).

implications for today

According to Scripture, God’s will can be understood in several ways. The Bible reveals that God’s will includes His sovereign plan, His moral commands, and His personal guidance. These different parts of God’s will are often referred to as God’s sovereign will, His revealed will, and His specific will.

God’s sovereign will is His ultimate plan that cannot be thwarted. Ephesians 1:11 says that God “works all things according to the counsel of his will.” This includes everything that happens in history, from the rise and fall of nations to the details of our lives. Even when we don’t understand why certain things happen, we can trust that God is in control and that His purposes will stand (Isaiah 46:9-10).

God’s revealed will is what He has made known to us in Scripture: His commands, instructions, and desires for how we are to live. For example, 1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” These verses show that God’s will includes living a holy life, giving thanks, and obeying His Word.

God’s specific will refers to His plans for each of us in the unique circumstances, decisions, and callings of our lives—such as where we live, what job we take, or whom we marry. While this aspect of His will is not always written out plainly in Scripture, God promises to guide us when we seek Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” As we walk closely with Him, obey His revealed will, and pray for wisdom (James 1:5), He leads us in the paths He has prepared. God’s specific will is discovered through relationship, prayer, wise counsel, and a heart surrendered to His purposes.

God’s will is His perfect plan for creation, His clear commands for how we should live, and His loving desire for people to know Him. It is good, trustworthy, and always aimed at His glory and our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).