This week’s blog is an excerpt from my book, How Long, O Lord, How Long? Devotions for the Unemployed and Those Who Love Them. It is about discernment, something important for anyone who is in a job search process, wanting to make the right decision. Please share.

CHOICES AND DECISIONS. I don’t know about you, but I work hard at making the best decision possible. I’m analytical in my approach to decision making, trying to look at all angles. I’ll admit sometimes I try to make the “perfect” decision and then second-guess myself. I expect you might even get interviews with a couple of different organizations at the same time. Life usually clumps up on us and we go from nothing to almost too much. How do we make the right choice and look for the right things?

When I think about choosing, I am reminded of when David was anointed to be king over Israel, which is detailed in 1 Samuel 16. God told Samuel to anoint the next king; he was to go see Jesse of Bethlehem and God would tell him which of Jesse’s sons was the right one. He arrived and Jesse brought out his sons. Read what happened:

When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah (1 Samuel 16:6-13).

Jesse kept parading his son’s in front of Samuel asking, “What about this one?” “Okay, not him, what about him?” and on and on. They all looked good, how you’d expect a king to look. But God looked past outward appearances in making his decision; he looked at the “heart.” I encourage you to do the same.

Your decision shouldn’t be about who will pay you the most money, or who has the best 401(k), or bonus, etc. Your decision should be based upon what is the best match for the gifts and abilities God has given you. That’s what he wants for you—a place where you’ll find joy, where you will thrive and flourish. Pray to God for guidance and look for the “heart” of the job as you decide.