“But they did not inquire of the Lord.”
— Joshua 9:14
The Trap of the Familiar: Why We Decide Before We Pray
Hasty decisions often feel necessary in moments of pressure, fear, or urgency. When time seems short and answers unclear, we are tempted to move forward without seeking God’s guidance.
Yet Scripture gently warns us that rushing ahead of the Lord can lead to unnecessary struggles and long-lasting consequences.
Joshua and the leaders of Israel were not inexperienced men. They were seasoned, battle-tested, and spiritually aware. Still, when faced with the Gibeonites’ deception, they hurried into making a covenant—without first inquiring of the Lord.
This moment exposes a deep human weakness. When situations appear familiar or “obvious,” impatience quietly replaces prayer. In today’s fast-paced world—especially within our busy Australian lifestyle—the pressure to decide quickly can easily drown out the still, small voice of God.
If you are facing an important decision right now and feel unsure whether to move forward or wait, this reflection is for you.
The Consequences of Rushing Ahead of God
When we move too quickly, we exchange God’s eternal wisdom for our limited perspective. The consequences are rarely immediate. Instead, they surface later as lingering unrest, regret, or anxiety that follows a hurried choice.
The danger of hasty decisions is subtle. They often look wise, efficient, or even spiritual on the surface. But decisions made without prayer eventually reveal their hidden cost.
Joshua’s “reasonable” decision resulted in a covenant Israel had to honour for generations. From this story, we are reminded that:
- Speed is not a substitute for direction.
- Experience is not a substitute for prayer.
- Visible facts are not the whole truth.
Key Thought:
A decision made in haste is often a decision made in fear.
A decision made in prayer is a decision made in faith.
How to Find Biblical Wisdom for Big Decisions
So how do we avoid the Gibeonite trap?
It begins by seeking biblical wisdom before the pressure peaks. God does not abandon us in our missteps. Instead, He patiently invites us back into alignment with His truth.
To find peace in decision-making, we can practice three simple but powerful steps:
Pause — Interrupt the momentum of the world’s urgency.
Pray — Ask honestly, “Lord, is this Your path or mine?”
Position — Align your heart to obey, even before the answer comes.
How to Know if God Is Speaking to You
One of the most common questions believers ask is, “How do I know if God is speaking to me?”
Often, God’s voice is accompanied by peace—not pressure. A sense of rush, panic, or compulsion usually signals our own impulse, or the enemy’s push to act without clarity.
Waiting on God’s timing is not passive. It is an active posture of trust—believing that His “Yes” or “No” will become clear at the right moment.
Conclusion: A Safer and Wiser Path
When we choose to seek God—even in decisions that seem small or obvious—we walk a safer and wiser path.
Joshua’s story reminds us not to be fooled by appearances. What looks right is not always what is right. Bring it to the Lord first.
Slowing down can be an act of faith. God is never rushed, and His wisdom is never late. Peace does not come from quick answers, but from trusting the One who sees the end from the beginning.
A Prayer for a Guided Heart
Lord,
Guard my heart so that I do not judge hastily based only on what I see.
Teach me to seek Your will—even in the smallest decisions.
Grant me the wisdom to choose with peace, not pressure.
Help me trust that Your timing is better than my hurry.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today, I give thanks for the precious gift of one more day.
Through the joys and sorrows that unfold, may I hear God’s voice clearly and walk wisely in the path of truth.
“When I share the word I received, its grace deepens and my soul is revived.”
Do you long to walk more deeply with the God who guides you? Experience living water for your soul every morning through our free eBook, “7 Days Reset Guide.”