Understanding God’s Will

Ephesians 5:17-21 encourages us to live wisely and discern God’s will.  These verses guide us in seeking God’s will through a Spirit-filled life marked by gratitude, worship, and mutual respect.

Devotional:

As we start a new year, many of us find ourselves asking, "What does God want for my life this year?" It’s natural to seek direction and clarity as we make plans and set goals. But understanding God’s will isn’t always straightforward—it’s more than just figuring out the next big decision. It’s about living each day in a way that honors God and aligns with His desires for us.

Ephesians 5:17-21 gives us some practical advice on how to approach this. Paul tells us not to be foolish, but to understand what the Lord’s will is. This doesn’t mean we need to have everything figured out, but it does mean we should be intentional about seeking God’s guidance. Understanding God’s will starts with getting to know Him better—through His Word, through prayer, and through the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

One key to understanding God’s will is being filled with the Spirit. Paul contrasts this with being drunk on wine, which leads to poor decisions and regret. Instead of being controlled by external influences, we’re called to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who guides us from within. This means making space in our lives for God—listening to His voice, following His nudges, and letting His love shape our decisions.

Living in the Spirit also changes how we relate to others. Paul talks about speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, and giving thanks to God in everything. These are practical ways to keep our hearts aligned with God’s will—by encouraging each other, expressing gratitude, and living in a spirit of worship. When we do this, we’re more in tune with what God wants for us because we’re focused on what matters to Him.

Understanding God’s will isn’t just about personal decisions; it’s also about how we interact with others. Paul urges us to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This reminds us that God’s plans for our lives are connected to His plans for the people around us. Sometimes understanding God’s will involves putting others first, listening to their needs, and working together in unity.

As we move forward into this new year, let’s commit to seeking God’s will in all areas of our lives. Let’s be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, be grateful for God’s presence in our daily lives, and be willing to support and love those around us. When we live this way, we can trust that God will lead us in the right direction, even if we don’t have all the answers right away.

Action: Take time today to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in a specific area of your life where you need clarity. As you pray, think about how you can encourage someone else or show gratitude for something in your life. These small steps help align your heart with God’s will.

Prayer: Lord, as we step into this new year, help us to understand Your will for our lives. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we can live in a way that pleases You. Teach us to listen to Your voice, to be grateful in all things, and to support one another out of love for You. Guide our decisions and help us to trust that You are leading us, even when the path isn’t clear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought for the Day: Understanding God’s will comes from living in the Spirit, with hearts full of gratitude, worship, and love for others.