Learn To Discern - In the Morning When I Rise

Lord, why is discernment important?

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:1-6

What am I supposed to “discern”?

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. In this way, you may know the truth. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. My paths are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them.

Proverbs 22:17, 21; Hebrews 5:13-14; Hosea 14:9

What can I pray when I want greater understanding?

I pray that my love for others will overflow more and more, and that I will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want to understand what really matters, so that I may live a pure and blameless life until the day of Christ’s return. Oh, that I might know you, LORD! Let me press on to know you. You will respond to me as surely as the arrival of dawn.

Philippians 1:9-10; Hosea 6:3

Discernment is the process of training ourselves to recognize God’s truth and God’s ways—to determine what pleases God and make decisions based on wisdom and good judgment. It is necessary for growing in your faith. Before each decision today—about what you say, what you eat, or how you spend your time—ask whether your decision will lead you closer to God.