“What is God’s will for my life?” Many Christians ask themselves this question, especially when facing major decisions. The Bible does not provide an answer for every detail, but it says a great deal about what God wants. Here you will find 20 Bible verses about God’s will.
What God wants
Verses in which God’s will is clearly stated.
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For this is God’s will: that you be made holy, and that you avoid sexual immorality.
1 Thessalonians 4:3Holiness
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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Joy
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Who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth?
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You have been told, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you: to keep God’s word, to practice love, and to be humble before your God.
Micah 6:8HumilityConfirmation quotes
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For this is God’s will: that you fill the ignorance of foolish people with good works.
1 Peter 2:15
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For this is the will of him who sent me: that whoever sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up on the last day.
John 6:40Eternal life
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And do not be like the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may discern what is good and pleasing and perfect—God’s will.
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Therefore do not be foolish, but be wise, and discern what is the Lord’s will.
Ephesians 5:17
Your will be done
Seeking and accepting God’s will.
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Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Matthew 6:10Our FatherHeaven
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And he went a little while further, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will!”
Matthew 26:39ObedienceAnswered prayer
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Your will, my God, I gladly do, and your law I have in my heart.
Psalm 40:9
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Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; lead me in the path of righteousness.
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And so we, from the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1:9GodparentsUnderstanding
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May he equip you for every good work, to do his will, and may he work in you what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:21
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For it is God who works both the willing and the doing in you, according to his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13
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For whoever wants to do his will will understand whether this teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.
John 7:17
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You should say, “If the Lord wills and we live, we will do this and that.”
James 4:15New Year
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The human heart thinks out its own course, but the Lord alone gives it success.
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Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the Lord’s counsel prevails.
Proverbs 19:21PlanningProverbs of Solomon
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The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God remains forever.
1 John 2:17
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
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What the Bible Says About God’s Will
Many people seek God’s will above all else when making major decisions: Which career, which partner, which city? But the Bible usually speaks of God’s will in terms of how we live: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Micah 6:8 also provides a clear answer: keep God’s word, practice love, and be humble. Those who live this way often have more freedom than they think when it comes to the details.
Recognizing God’s Will
Paul describes a way: “And do not be like the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may discern what is good and pleasing and perfect—God’s will” (Romans 12:2). We recognize God’s will not through a sign from heaven, but through a transformed mind that discerns—through prayer, reading the Bible, and talking with others. Jesus himself shows that accepting God’s will can sometimes be difficult: “yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Learn more about Bible verses for decisions, Bible verses about God’s guidance, and Bible verses about plans and planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I recognize God’s will?
The Bible mentions prayer, reading Scripture, a renewed mind (Romans 12:2), and the advice of others (Proverbs 15:22). Much of God’s will is clearly stated in the Bible, such as in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
What does “Your will be done” mean?
The third petition of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:10) expresses trust that God’s will is good—even when it differs from our own plans.
