I sometimes find myself in situations and wonder how I got there.
Then the Lord reminds me of the discernment I have ignored.
There is a great need for discernment in various aspects of our lives, such as our personal lives, finances, relationships, and ministries. We need to Discern Truth in a Post-Truth World. This is How We Can See Through the Fog.
“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who because of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14 NKJV
Here are some things that will help you with discernment.
1. DISCERNING STARTS WITH OURSELVES – I meet many who are professionals at discerning others but few who have convictions over their own lives. Read: Galatians 6:1-5, Proverbs 25:28, Proverbs 1:7
I find discernment with ourselves is more related to the fear of the Lord & the intimacy we have with Him. Discernment outside of this can just be a gift. You can discern Jezebel outside but you can’t allow the Holy Spirit to take her out of you. Or pride, or perversion, or anger, or rejection, etc…
Coming to God’s presence with an open heart is scary for many who struggle to understand His love, truth, grace, and severity.
Who is responsible for shaping our story if we view God as an adversary? Keep in mind that the devil not only causes suffering but also creates narratives that reinforce this suffering. These narratives can become entrenched beliefs that lead to our downfall. Pain is real, but avoiding it and our developed narratives only causes more problems.
Let’s discern ourselves. There is a book called, “Practicing the Presence of God”, by Brother Lawrence. It made me more sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit in my pursuit of Jesus than my need to be right in arguments or my want to guard my pain with stubbornness.
At some point, everything is connected to our desire for intimacy with God. Distinguishing ourselves begins with seeking Him over our insecurities.
I made the presence of God in my soul the priority in my life. I’d be quick to repent or apologize…no, not because I’m Canadian but because I don’t want to grieve the Holy Spirit.
It’s a walk but it’s possible. Discerning ourselves is the start of Him being able to lead us to repentance. Then, refreshing! Acts 3:19
2. DISCERNMENT IS JUST THE BEGINNING – Often, we receive discernment concerning a person or a place, but we fail to take it further by asking God, “What should I do with this discernment?” If the discernment is about someone, we can ask, “What is Your Word to heal or deliver what I am discerning?”
I find we can:
- Leave too early
- Do not take it literally
- Do not have any at all
- Not be open to it because we don’t want to judge
- See so many good things about a person
3. YOU CAN ACTUALLY PRACTICE THIS – I find that God’s voice and His ways are more discerned than heard.
He communicates more than just speaks. This is how to cultivate your spiritual sensitivity for Better Decision-Making
- Honor His presence more than your opinion
- Ask for confirmation
- Don’t ever be pressured
- Be aware of your preferences & triggers
- Ask God to remove stubbornness
- Practice by asking God purposely what is behind things before they are made public
- Practice asking God for words that will solve your discernment more than just giving discernment
- Be aware if your discernment is mostly negative or positive
One needs discernment in various aspects of life such as deliverance, family, ministry, marriage, money, and more. This week, seek the Lord for more deliverance and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in your own life and in other situations.
Your choices will become wiser & wiser & your ear will hear more & more from His presence.
