How can I get discernment? Discernment comes through the work of God’s Holy Spirit living in us and teaching us God’s ways. Through God’s Word, as recorded in the Bible, He invites us to know Him intimately. God’s desire is that we know His character and His ways, so we will wholeheartedly trust Him as we daily turn our will and our life over to His care. Through the wisdom God gives, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God will help us discern the plans He has for our lives.
Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. (Hosea 14:9 NLT)
As we take steps and make plans in our new life with God in recovery, we need to seek God’s wisdom to discern the right path. That’s certainly the appropriate action to take when we are uncertain, but probably even more important to do when we think we know what to do. Our way of approaching a situation may be twisted by familiar thinking based on past experience. Some simple steps we might take in this process are:
ü list the known pros and cons of the choice we are about to make.
ü consider the gifts God has given us.
ü pray and trust that God will direct our steps in the way we should go.
ü seek guidance from someone who knows us well (pastor, priest, parents, spiritual counselor) and carefully consider their advice.
This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” (Isaiah 48:17 NLT)
In each situation, we need to make a humble assessment of our will versus God’s revealed will. God promises to direct our steps as we submit our plans to Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, My desire is to have knowledge and understanding of all Your ways so that I may have discernment in all I undertake to do. AMEN
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