Discernment

discernment - What is discernment, and why is it important?

Your own ears will hear [the Lord]. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.

Isaiah 30:21

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Psalm 32:8

Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall.

Hosea 14:9

My child, listen to what I say. . . . Tune your ears to wisdom . . . ask for understanding . . . and you will gain knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-3, 5

DISCERNMENT is sensitivity to God’s direction. God promises that he will guide us, counsel us, lead us to truth, and help us to hear his voice—but this happens only when we live life connected to him. This involves practical choices like praying, reading Scripture, being open to God’s direction and his interruptions to our schedules, and recognizing how our desires and motives can hinder us from hearing him. Would you like to be so in tune with God’s voice that you recognize it when he speaks to you? Then make spending time with him your top priority. Invite him into all your plans and decisions, big and small.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, I want to talk with you about this decision I need to make: . . .

I know you help me become a discerning woman because your Word says . . .