How Can You Know the Will of God?

October 19, 2026

Scripture directly identifies many things as God’s will for believers: sanctification and abstaining from sexual immorality, rejoicing, praying continually, and giving thanks. For decisions about which Scripture is silent, it calls us to trust God, renew our minds, ask for wisdom, and act wisely. Signs, circumstances, an inner feeling, or a randomly opened Bible verse are not presented as a general way to discern God’s will.

What Does the Bible Say About This?

God’s will is sanctification: abstaining from sexual immorality (1 Thess. 4:3); always rejoicing, praying continually, and giving thanks in everything (1 Thess. 5:16–18).
We are instructed to discern God’s will through the renewing of our minds, rather than conforming to “this age” (Rom. 12:2).
Scripture calls us not to be foolish, but to understand the will of God by living wisely and making the most of our time (Eph. 5:15–17).
If anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God for it: He gives generously and without reproach (Jas. 1:5).
Proverbs calls us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not rely on our own understanding; He will direct our paths (Prov. 3:5–6).
Application: for decisions about which Scripture does not speak directly (work, relocation, ministry), rely on the Word of God (Ps. 119:105), prayer, the counsel of wise people (Prov. 15:22), and sound judgment.
Conclusion: Scripture does not present signs, circumstances, dreams, an inner sense of peace, or a randomly opened Bible verse as a universal way to discern God’s will; all experiences should be tested by Scripture.

The brief answer was prepared by the editorial team; the verse texts are from the “Father’s Blessing” Bible.

Key Scripture Passages

8 Scripture passages · “Father’s Blessing” Bible

1 Thessalonians 4:3

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;

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1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

¹⁶ Rejoice always. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ Give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

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Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

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James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

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Ephesians 5:15–17

¹⁵ Therefore, see that you walk carefully, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

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Proverbs 3:5–6

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

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