A Discerning Spirit
What does it mean to discern? To perceive or recognize.
What discernment does is allow you to see beyond what’s superficially placed before you. God gives His children the supernatural ability to not only understand the why behind the what, but to see the who behind the façade.
God will withhold no good thing from His children, that includes the gifts of the spirit. Many misinterpret the Christian walk as an act of blind obedience, when in fact, the closer you get to God the wider your eyes become. The word of God says that it is because of lack of knowledge that God’s people perish, so the goal is for us to increase in knowledge (See Hosea 4:6). On the lips of the discerning, there you will find wisdom (See Proverbs 10:13). What is wisdom? Knowledge, oftentimes given through experiences. In a case where your experiences may not be as numerous, allow the word of God to sharpen you in this area, that’s why we have it.
In all honesty, discerning the truth behind the lie doesn’t always feel great. In the past and sometimes now I find myself telling God that there are some things that I rather not know beyond what I can see with my physical eyes. Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop Him from revealing deep and hidden things to me. I’m learning that this God given ability is bestowed upon us for our own protection. Also, so that we may be aware of God at work in and throughout our lives.
We see stories online of ultimate betrayals and back stabbings that have resulted in worst case scenarios for many. I don’t know about you all, but I sometimes question, where was the victims’ discernment during those times? Not to say that in any way they were at fault, but that’s just where my mind wanders.
God has given us the gift of discernment to avoid the pain that comes with the manifestation of the schemes of the enemy; schemes that can be enacted through the situations God has warned us not to get involved in, or people He has called us to separate from.
Speaking from experience, when you feel an uneasy feeling regarding a person or situation, lean into that feeling, and take it or them to God in prayer. Remember, as a new creation you’ve become one with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when you hear or feel, what many like to refer to as the conscience, dropping a word or premonition into your spirit, know that’s the Holy Spirit within you trying to get your attention. He’s trying to give you insight on what you are unable to physically perceive. Seek Him out in prayer, maybe even through fasting.
When God reveals the truth behind a lie, sometimes you’re called to flee immediately, while other times He will ask you to be wise in your footsteps regarding the situation or person. Regardless of the direction, be obedient, God knows what He’s doing.
Once revelation hits, do not ignore what you feel, lean into it. No, it will not always feel empowering knowing the truth, but it will keep you from walking into whatever trap the enemy has set for you.
If God does call you to remain in a situation or relationship after revealing to you the truth behind a lie, pray that He reveals to you how you should move regarding it. In my experience, when asked not to flee a relationship immediately, God asked me to use wisdom. At the time, I didn’t quite understand what that meant, but now I know that in remaining close to God, my awareness of the flow of the Holy Spirit increased, and in turn provided an opportunity for me to move according to that flow.
When God asked me to move with wisdom, that meant relying on Him to guide my every footstep regarding this person. I stayed around as long as God intended, and I walked away at just the right time of which God also intended. Everything worked out just how it should’ve.
Extra:
There was a time I simply did not understand exactly where the hate in one of my loved ones’ heart originated from regarding me, so I ask God why. Nothing negative had transpired between us, and physically nothing had changed. By the grace of God, I began to understand.
I don’t always perceive the why behind it all, but in trusting God, I walk in obedience no matter how much it hurts me. Regarding this relationship, a part of me always wants to in some way make them see just how much I love and care for them, so that in turn the hate in their hearts would subside, but this is what the Holy Spirit dropped in my spirit today:
“You can’t change the way they feel about you, and you shouldn’t change the love you have for them, but through the revelation I’ve given you, you must change the way you interact with them, for the sake of your own soul.”
The truth may hurt, but as the saying goes, it will set you free, free from deception and possible destruction. Thank God today for the gift of discernment.
Scripture to reflect on:
1 Kings 3:9
So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Proverbs 10:13
On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.
Philippians 1:9-11
9) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10) so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11) filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Proverbs 10:13
On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.
