Everyday we make decisions that shape our future. Some choices are small, while others determine the directions of our lives. The question is not whether we are making decisions, but what is influencing our discernment?

Discernment Original Hebrew Text: (lebh\ shomea`) means: a discerning or hearing heart to judge.

Discernments is the God given ability to distinguish truth from error, wisdom from foolishness, and God’s voice from many voices competing for our attention. It is developed through the relationship with Jesus, the guidance of the holy spirit, and obedience to God’s word. Many of us allow our emotions, past hurts, relationships, social media, or the opinion of others to influence our decisions. But God called us to be led by the Holy Spirit instead.

Let take a look at some biblical stories that teaches us about discernment.

Jesus was led by Discernment in the Wilderness:

Before Jesus began his public ministry, he was led into the wilderness for forty days. There, Satan tempted him with food, power, and glory. Yet Jesus discerned every lie because he knew the word of God. Matthew 4:1-11 reminds us that discernments is strengthened through scripture. Every temptation was answered with “it is written.” Jesus teaches us that God is our greatest defense against deception.

Eve Lost Discernment by Listening to the Wrong Voice

In the Garden of Eden, Eve had everything she needed. Yet she allowed the serpent to question what God has already spoken. Instead of trusting God’s word, she listened to another voice. That single decision affected all humanity. This story found in Genesis 3 showed us that deception often begins when we entertain other voices, and opinions that contradicts God’s truth.

Solomon asked for Discernment Instead of Riches

When God offered Solomon anything he desired, he requested a discerning heart, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, so he can lead God’s people faithfully. God was pleased with his request and blessed him with wisdom beyond measures. Solomon’s story reminds us that discernment is a gift worth seeking, worth acknowledging, and worth understanding. It is has more value than wealth, fame, or success.

Samuel Learned to Recognize God’s Voice:

As a young boy, Samuel was getting ready for bed, he heard someone calling his name, but he thought it was Eli calling him. After Samuel went to Eli three times, Eli realizes, it was God calling Samuel. With Eli guidance, he learned to respond to God saying “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”

Discernment grows through listening, humility, and obedience. Samuel story shows that God’s voice becomes clearer as we spend time with him.

My Wilderness Experience:

There was a season when Jesus hid me in the wilderness. At first I thought it was punishment for being disobedient. I begged for mercy everyday, cried out to him. But soon realize he wanted my attention, then I had to learn to listen. The wilderness became a training ground. Without the distractions, I learned to depend completely on God’s voice. he exposed the influences that had shaped my thinking and replaced them with his truth. My discernment grew because my relationship with Jesus grew. Sometimes God separates us from people and distractions so we can hear him.

What is influencing you?

Ask yourself:

1. Am I spending more time listening to people than listening to God?
2. Do my emotions make my decisions, or does God’s words ?
3. Am I seeking God’s wisdom before making important choices ?
4. Is the holy spirit leading my life, or am I following the crowd?

The closer we walk with Jesus, the easier it becomes to recognize his voice

Scriptures:

John 10:27 says ” My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and the follow me.”

Hebrew 5:14 “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

A Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of discernment. Help us to recognize your voice above every other voice competing for our attention. Guard our hearts from deceptions and give us wisdom like Solomon, obedience like Samuel, and steadfast faith like Jesus in the wilderness. Refine us in every season until our decisions reflect you heart and your truth. May we always be led by your holy spirit in Jesus name, Amen

Before making your next decision, pause and ask “Lord what are you saying?” Sometimes the wisest decisions is not the easiest one, it is one that keeps you closest to Jesus.