As Christians, one of the most profound desires of our hearts is to understand and live in accordance with the will of God. This longing comes from our desire to honor Him in all we do, as well as our trust in His plans for our lives. We believe that God’s will is perfect, and it leads to life, peace, and fulfillment. But what exactly is God’s will? And how can we discern it in our lives?
God’s will refers to His divine plan and purpose for humanity and for each individual believer. It encompasses His desires for our actions, choices, and the way we live out our faith. Whether we’re grappling with big life decisions or striving to live in alignment with Scripture day to day, seeking God’s will should be a priority for every Christian. Fortunately, the Bible is filled with wisdom that provides insight into God’s will. The following 30 Scriptures offer clear guidance on what God’s will is, how to discern it, and how to live it out.
30 Scriptures on God’s Will
1. Romans 12:1-2
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse encourages us to offer our lives as a living sacrifice. When we dedicate ourselves to God’s service and resist the pressures of the world, we open ourselves to understanding God’s will, which is good and perfect.
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
These verses show us that God’s will is that we have an attitude of constant joy, prayer, and gratitude. It’s a reminder that no matter the circumstances, we are to maintain a heart of worship through rejoicing and thanksgiving.
3. Matthew 6:10
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
This line from the Lord’s Prayer reveals that God’s will is for His Kingdom to be established on earth as it is in heaven. This involves both the reign of God in the lives of believers and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for the world.
4. 1 John 2:17
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
John encourages believers that doing the will of God has eternal significance. The fleeting desires of this world pale in comparison to the eternal rewards of aligning with God’s will.
5. Ephesians 5:15-17
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
This passage emphasizes wisdom in understanding and living out God’s will. It teaches us to use our time wisely and not to waste opportunities, as we live according to His purposes.
6. Colossians 1:9-10
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
Paul prays that the believers in Colossae would be filled with knowledge of God’s will so they can live lives worthy of Him. This highlights that understanding God’s will enables us to live in a way that pleases Him.
7. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse reassures us that everything in our lives, both the good and the bad, is part of God’s perfect plan for us. His will is to work everything for our ultimate good, especially for those who love Him.
8. James 4:13-15
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”
James reminds us that we must always be willing to submit our plans to God’s will, acknowledging that our lives are in His hands.
9. 2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
This passage emphasizes that God’s will is for all people to come to repentance and receive salvation. His patience is a reflection of His desire for humanity’s redemption.
10. Psalm 40:8
“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”
This verse reflects the psalmist’s desire to obey God and follow His will. It also highlights that God’s law and His will are not burdensome, but are internalized and deeply desired by those who love Him.
11. Hebrews 13:20-21
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
This passage reveals that God equips us to do His will. Through the work of Jesus Christ, God empowers us to live in ways that are pleasing to Him.
12. John 7:17
“Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”
Jesus teaches that when we are willing to do God’s will, we will be able to discern truth. Obedience to God’s will opens the door to deeper understanding of His Word.
13. Matthew 12:50
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that those who do God’s will are part of His spiritual family. This underscores the importance of living according to God’s will.
14. Proverbs 3:5-6
“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.”
Solomon encourages us to trust in God fully, recognizing that His wisdom is higher than our own. By submitting to God’s will, we can trust that He will direct our lives.
15. Romans 1:10
“In my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.”
Paul shows us that even in his plans to visit others, he submits to God’s will, trusting that God’s timing and direction are what matter most.
16. Isaiah 55:8-9
“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.”
God’s will transcends human understanding. His plans and ways are far beyond what we can comprehend, which invites us to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.
17. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
This verse reveals a simple yet profound aspect of God’s will: He desires justice, mercy, and humility in how we live our lives.
18. Romans 9:19-21
“One of you will say to me: ‘Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?’ But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?”
Paul teaches here that God’s will is sovereign and His purposes are beyond human critique. God is the Creator, and He has a plan for every life.
19. Luke 22:42
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Jesus exemplifies ultimate submission to the Father’s will in His moment of anguish before the crucifixion. His willingness to surrender His own desires for God’s plan is a model for all Christians.
20. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
God’s will is that all people would come to salvation through the knowledge of truth. This highlights the heart of God to bring everyone into relationship with Him.
21. Psalm 143:10
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
The psalmist prays for guidance and divine teaching to do God’s will. This reminds us that it is God’s Spirit that empowers us to live in alignment with His will.
22. John 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
Jesus teaches that love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commands, which reflect His will.
23. Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus highlights that mere profession of faith is not enough; true believers are those who do God’s will.
24. 1 Peter 2:15
“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.”
This passage encourages us that living out God’s will through good deeds serves as a powerful testimony to the world.
25. Hebrews 10:36
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Perseverance in doing God’s will is rewarded by the fulfillment of His promises.
26. Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
God’s Word is the guiding light that leads us into His will, illuminating the path He wants us to walk.
27. Romans 12:3
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
Humility is an essential part of aligning with God’s will. We must recognize our dependence on God and His gifts.
28. Philippians 2:13
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
God works within us to accomplish His will, showing that He equips us to fulfill His plans.
29. Romans 10:9-10
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This passage reveals that part of God’s will is that people confess Jesus as Lord and believe in His resurrection for salvation.
30. 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 a hope and a future.”
God’s will for His people is good, filled with hope and a future. His plans for us are always designed to bring about our well-being and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Understanding and walking in God’s will is a lifelong pursuit, but it is one of the most fulfilling journeys we can undertake as Christians. The Scriptures above remind us that God’s will is good, pleasing, and perfect, and that our obedience to it brings peace and purpose. As we seek to understand and follow God’s will, we must rely on prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us into deeper alignment with His plans for our lives. The more we surrender to His will, the more we experience the abundant life He has prepared for us.
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