Have you ever felt like you’re left out in the dark with no idea of how to respond to a difficult choice or a confusing situation? I know I have. It could be a tough spot in a relationship or a fork in your path that requires understanding God’s calling for your life. Without a clear direction, it’s easy to fall into worry. But take heart. It might feel like a setback, but it’s really an opportunity to rely on God and practice discernment.
The kind of discernment I’m talking about is not just the ability to judge well. I’m talking about the way followers of Jesus can seek God’s direction to make decisions that align with His will, rather than relying solely on our own understanding. It’s what the Bible tells us to do. As James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
How to Practice Spiritual Discernment
1. Pray for guidance
Ask God to give you wisdom, peace and patience to discern His will—not just for an answer to your question when you pray. Seeing the need to practice discernment is also an important reminder that we’re always meant to receive direction and purpose from God and surrender our lives to His will—not just when a tough situation comes up.
2. Reflect on God’s Word
The Bible is God’s Word, meant for instructing our lives. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Spend time reading the scriptures that relate to your question and ask God to help you apply them correctly.
3. Seek Godly counsel
Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Talk with trusted, spiritually mature friends, mentors or leaders. It’s a crucial step for adding perspectives you might not have considered, helping you weigh your options in light of God’s wisdom.
4. Listen to the Holy Spirit
Take time to quiet your mind and be still before God. The Holy Spirit can guide your decision by leading you to a sense of peace or giving you a gentle nudge in a certain direction.
5. Honestly examine your motives
Are you seeking to align with God’s will or pursuing your own desires? As the story of Jonah tells us, sometimes we don’t listen to God simply because we foolishly disagree with His answer.
6. Wait on the Lord
Sometimes, discernment requires patience. Psalm 27:14 advises, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Rushing into a decision can lead to mistakes (just ask King Saul!). Trust that God’s timing is perfect and be willing to wait until you have clarity and peace.
Why is Knowing How to Practice Spiritual Discernment So Important?
“To err is human.” Human judgment is just a narrow sliver of experience and is biased by all kinds of selfish motives we might not even be aware of. But God has always existed and knows everything and wants only the best for us. He guides us away from the things we think we want or need, because he knows better. Sometimes, the full story behind his will eludes us. That’s why we have to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Plus, discernment protects us from being led astray by false teachings or temptations. 1 John 4:1 tells us, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” There are so many conflicting voices out there, discernment helps us stay grounded in our faith and aligned with God’s truth.
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