Navigating with Discernment

Today, we’re diving into something we all need but don’t always talk about—discernment. It’s like having an internal GPS, but sometimes we forget to update the software! Let’s chat about how discernment helps us navigate everyday life with God’s wisdom. Let’s get started!

Proverbs 3:21 (NLT) – "My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them."

Discernment is one of those things that sounds serious but is so practical. It’s just about making wise choices—and sometimes, it’s learning the hard way.

Years ago, my husband bought me a truck. I really liked this truck, and we didn’t have one, so it was also needed. I drove that truck for about six months and realized that, though I liked it, an SUV would better suit our family. So, I traded that brand-new truck in for a used SUV. Both were great vehicles, and I really enjoyed both of them, but if I would’ve thought it all through from the beginning, I would have made the decision to just get an SUV from the start. Sometimes seeing the future would be helpful, right?

But since we don’t know the future, it’s wise for us to turn to the One who does, ask some questions, and get some guidance.

Hindsight is 50/50… or so they say. But God is 100/100, so let's seek His wisdom.

Discernment isn’t just about big life choices. It’s about everyday stuff—who to trust, what advice to take, and even when to speak or stay quiet... Oh man...

No, we don’t have to wait for God to tell us every little thing, but it is a good mindset to be in because it means we are ready and able to discern things when needed and eager to hear what the Lord has for us.

We just need to be ready and willing to listen and understand in order to make good choices, knowing that God brings peace and understanding when it comes to helping us make decisions and guides us in a clear, concise way.

Have you ever had that "something feels off" moment? That’s often the Holy Spirit nudging you. Trust those moments.

I’ve had these moments, but I’ve had to have discernment because sometimes it’s just my anxiety. The good news is, when you feel confused, remember that God is not a God of confusion. In that, you’ll be able to decipher between your thoughts and what God is telling you.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just take a moment to ask God for clarity. One small prayer can save you a lot of trouble!

Let’s dig into how discernment impacts our relationships, work, and even our faith journey.

Have you ever thought that discernment was just for pastors or leaders? This is true—it is for them—but it’s for all of us as well. We all have choices to make, and discernment is a tool God gives every believer.

Our scripture for today is Proverbs 3:21, and it tells us not to lose sight of common sense and discernment. Why? Because they protect us—from heartache, bad decisions, and wasted time.

This is definitely a scripture to carry with us in our day-to-day life.

I was cooking some chicken for dinner last night, and I went to flip it over, but it was stuck to the skillet a bit. I literally said to myself, "Well, I guess I should have waited a little bit longer before flipping." You would think that knowledge would have stopped me from flipping the rest, but it didn’t. I kept going.

How true is this in life and in discernment? We think it might be time to do something, realize that it’s actually not, but continue on anyway. We had a moment where discernment and realization kicked in, but we moved forward anyway. Timing is important in life, and when we are learning to discern, a lot of the time it comes down to timing. So don’t be like me when cooking chicken and trying to move forward quickly. Look at your situation or conversation and make good judgment on what should be done and when. When we seek the Lord before jumping ahead, He provides that wisdom.

Recently, I have been feeling that God has been telling me to see and listen more. Like, literally, it has been in every devotional or Bible reading I have done over the last week. So, guess what I’m doing… being intentional and discerning with what the Lord wants me to do—and that is to fully understand what people are saying.

About five years ago, God worked with me on discernment, and now this is another layer that I need to be better at so I can better understand where others are coming from and see who they are through the eyes of Christ.

Discernment is like a muscle; you strengthen it by using it. The more you listen for God’s voice, the clearer it becomes.

Let’s talk about making discernment a daily habit, not just pulling it out when there’s a big decision.

Sometimes discernment means saying ‘no’ when everyone else says ‘yes.’ It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Saying no in the little things matters as well—like what we watch, who we listen to, where we invest our time. Discernment helps us stay on track.

Jesus showed ultimate discernment—He knew when to engage and when to step away. He’s our best example.

I am often in awe of Jesus’ discernment, grace, and mercy. It shows such character that I would love to adapt.

Our scripture for today is Proverbs 3:21, and it says, "My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them."

Let’s hang on to the example that Jesus set in front of us and learn to take on this character trait, adapt it to our lives as much as possible, and seek God to guide us as we go about this life.

Growing in the Lord and becoming more like Him is a daily choice. Though the Bible says, "Be ye perfect as I am perfect," this is something to work toward and not something that happens automatically. Learning to discern isn’t about being perfect; it’s about staying connected to the One who is.

So, as you learn and grow in the Lord, keep your trust in Him to guide you every step of the way.

God has given you the gift of discernment to help you live wisely and well. Stay close to Him, trust those nudges, and lean into His wisdom.