As I scroll through social media, I often notice a word that comes up time and time again. People mention it when they talk about following their gut feeling, when they’re unsure about a decision, or when they’re trying to discern if someone in their life is being sincere. It shows up in conversations about knowing whether a choice is truly the right one or not.
Discernment is the word that is well spoken about these days. Do we really know the true meaning of that word? Do we really know the true meaning of discernment?
I believe many people don’t fully grasp the true meaning of discernment, or how to recognize when their decision-making is truly grounded in God’s Word. There is a difference between simply making a choice and walking in discernment. True discernment asks:
Is my evaluation rooted in Scripture? Is my solution aligned with God’s Word and His will?
If your answer is no to these questions upon making a decision, your decision is based on your flesh. When we rely on our own understanding or desires, we risk making choices that are not in line with God’s will. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” When we seek God’s wisdom, we align ourselves with His purpose and direction.
Discernment protects us from being swayed by opinion or emotion. Proverbs tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). This means discernment isn’t something we create on our own—it flows from a posture of reverence, trust, and intimacy with God. Discernment teaches us to pause before reacting, to listen before speaking, and to filter every decision through the truth of God’s Word.
How do we grow in discernment? How do we change our decision making to be more in alignment with our Savior? Let’s explore how to grow in the wisdom laid out for us from our God. He wants us to make the wisest decisions so we can stay on His narrow path.
To cultivate true discernment, we must engage in spiritual practices that draw us closer to God.
Let’s explore a few ways to grow in the practice of true discernment.
Seek Guidance From The Holy Spirit
Discernment comes from the spiritual side of us, not the natural. Our natural way of thinking is based off worldly views. Our thoughts can lead us to seek revenge. They can make us speak words that will cause pain to others. They can also make us act in pure selfishness. Feeding our fleshly desires that can lead us out of the loving grasp of our Father.
We must invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts and minds. Picking up the Bible and reading it for ourselves and not just on Sunday. We must seek the truth of His word for ourselves. In John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
When we let the Holy Spirit lead us, discernment is sharpened like a knife. It’s gets easier to see things as God sees them. The path to righteousness and all the blessings set forth for us is clear. We hear the Spirit and accordingly in Jesus name. Ask the Holy Spirit to filter out emotion, fear, or personal desire so that only God’s truth remains clear. Pray that God shows what is from Him and what is not.
Consistently Study The Bible
Staying rooted in God’s word is one of the most sufficient ways to cultivate the practice of discernment. You have to know what God actually says to follow His path for you. Make time to study the Word each day. Even if it’s just a verse.
Take a verse and meditate on it. Let that verse linger in your mind and reflect on it throughout the day. Create a Bible journal and write your thoughts on paper.
Turn what you read into a prayer. Prayer and scripture together is powerful. Doing this will deepen understanding of the Word and will refine discernment.
Test The Word
Test what you are feeling against Scripture. Testing God’s word for discernment isn’t about doubting Him, but about making sure our understanding of His word or what we think we’re hearing aligns with His truth.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is used for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness
2 Timothy 3:16
God will never contradict Himself. If something you hear, read, or feel led to do doesn’t align with the character and commands of Scripture, you are now off the broken path. Some people will misconstrue the Word of God to make what they are doing acceptable in their eyes, even though the Good Book says different.
Ask yourself:
Does this message reflect God’s character?
Does it align with His word, or oppose it in anyway?
Pray for Clarity
Praying for the separation of truth from confusion is key to really be in tune with discernment from God. Start with coming to the throne in humility. Acknowledge your need. “God, I confess that I struggle to see clearly. My own thoughts and feelings often get in the way. I need Your divine perspective.”
You can pray for a clear mind and heart. To help sort through feelings and emotions to having to make difficult decisions. Trusting that God will provide the guidance and answers on how to move forward.
When it’s God, there is a quiet assurance-even if His word challenges you. When it’s not is His will, there is even more confusion, pressure, and anxiety.
God invites you to walk closely with Him, to listen, to question, and to grow in understanding. As you practice discernment, you’ll find yourself more in tune with our Holy Father’s heart.
Pray this today:
“Lord, help me discern Your voice clearly. Teach me to recognize what’s from You and give me peace when I hear it. Align my heart with Your truth and lead me in wisdom every step of the way. Amen.”
Reflection Questions:
- When was the last time you felt God was speaking to you-and how did you respond? Did you test it against God’s word, or act on emotion?
- What area of your life requires more discernment?
- How can you invite the Holy Spirit to lead your decisions more consistently?
Janice
God Inspired Her 
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