Reflections on Discernment

Last week we reflected on "Discernment: Learning to See the Difference." We considered how discernment grows out of illumination. Once God begins to shine His light upon our lives, the soul gradually learns to distinguish between what leads toward life and what leads away from it. Discernment is more than knowing right from wrong; it is learning to recognize God's voice amid the many voices competing for our attention. It is a quiet work of the soul that develops through prayer, reflection, Scripture, and remaining teachable before God.

This week, we once again share the reflections of several who are walking this journey with us.

Response from R.S.

"I'll just jump right into this topic. God has me discerning my fear, mostly around the subject of 'am I what people are needing.'

• My art: Why am I not confident and composed like I used to be when I was younger?

• Career: Do I have what it will take to move to the next level and bring others along, but stand my ground, uncompromising, but fair? Will I be overlooked again?

• Vain imagination: My mind gets real creative in my stress, mostly dealing with people and their levels of immaturity. Draining!

• People and the church (Body of Christ): We are all over the place, tossed to and fro, many not even realizing they are lost. Still consumed by the world and its distractions. Many of the issues are self-induced—entitlement, comfort, and asking what can be done for me. This life is temporary. Why are we becoming comfortable? Are we discipling others? Are we free from the bondage of the enemy? Do we know our role in God's plan?

Romans 8:37 is what God keeps telling me. I lean on the faith God gave me and the growth of that faith to overcome my fears. I refuse to live in fear. I choose to rule like a king under God's provisions and guidance. Is this easy? Daily I take up my cross.

I work hard to move from a place of victory and stand unshakable.

The voice is the voice of action.

My path is still for the hearts of men, families, and deliverance."

— R.S.

R.S. reminds us that discernment is deeply personal before it is ever outward. Before we discern what is happening around us, God often teaches us to discern what is happening within us. His reflection reveals a soul learning to distinguish fear from faith, anxiety from trust, distraction from purpose, and self-reliance from dependence upon God. Discernment does not remove every question, but it does give us a clearer understanding of which voice deserves our attention.

Response from B.P.

"The word that prompted the most thought in this week's post for me is 'learning.' Learning takes time, and through learning comes development and becoming who God purposed us to be.

I remember at eight or nine years old feeling a tug to follow my grandmother to church every Sunday. I didn't understand that until my adult years when I began to study God's Word, meditate upon it, and learn to pray.

Proverbs tells us to get wisdom and understanding, and James reminds us that if we lack wisdom we should ask God.

As I leaned more into God, my faith increased. I discovered I no longer needed to depend upon everyone else for answers because God was teaching me directly through His Word and through life's experiences.

In time, I realized the knowledge I had gained through prayer, study, and meditation had taken root. I found greater clarity, greater confidence, and greater peace. Knowledge had become discernment.

Through discernment there is clarity, there is peace, there is wisdom, there is understanding, my faith increased, and there is confidence in knowing that 'He who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.'"

— B.P.

B.P. reminds us that discernment is learned over time. It is not a gift that suddenly appears but a capacity that develops through years of walking with God. Her reflection beautifully illustrates that wisdom, understanding, prayer, meditation, and experience gradually become discernment. As the soul matures, confidence grows—not confidence in ourselves, but confidence in God's faithful work within us.

Response from T.D.

"I noticed this week with discernment how my study focused on trusting God and having peace. Patience is an area that requires work for me.

I noticed how the Scriptures I read this week continually focused on trusting God and allowing that trust to bring about peace.

Discernment allows me not to be so quick to rush into action, but rather to slow my pace and give the Spirit time to speak to me.

This brought about calmness that reminded me of God's love, care, and concern for me. Because of God's love, I know He wants what is best for me and desires me to follow His guidance.

I spent time reflecting on what God has done in the past, knowing His care for me today is no less than it was yesterday.

I reminded myself that God is at work even though I do not yet see the results.

My task is simply to trust the Scriptures He directs me to for strength and encouragement.

While this journey is not always easy, it continues to increase my faith, which in turn leads to greater peace."

— T.D.

T.D. reminds us that discernment often slows us down. Rather than reacting quickly, the discerning soul learns to pause, reflect, and wait for God's direction. Out of that waiting comes trust, and out of trust comes peace. Discernment teaches us that God's activity is not dependent upon our ability to see immediate results. Faith learns to rest in what God is doing even while much remains unseen.