Proverbs 2:3 
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

Who is dictating your actions?

Have you ever asked someone how did they knew something and they said, “I just knew it”? In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. There are those who say this ability comes with experience. Police detectives have it, psychologists and psychiatrists use it. Then there is the discernment that comes from God.

The word describes being able to distinguish, discern, judge, or appraise a person, statement, situation, or environment. The Holy Spirit gives the gift of discernment to enable certain Christians to clearly recognize and distinguish between the influence of God, Satan, the world, and the flesh in a given situation.

Discernment is a sign of your maturity in Christ and is also critical if you are to be successful on your assignment.  

Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law. (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

You have to distinguish if the “Spirit of God” or some other spirit influenced what you saw and/or heard. Often, believers use their discernment when trying to decide about what to do or who to believe.

Hosea 14:9 Whoever is [spiritually] wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is [spiritually] discerning and understanding, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, And the righteous will walk in them,

But transgressors will stumble and fall in them. (Amplified Bible AMP)

When you are dealing with the people of God, you can miss it, and cause damage that lasts for years. Don’t run on your spiritual instincts. Always remain teachable. Seek the Lord before you act or speak.

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?” (New International Version NIV)

You may find that your instinct was correct. You may also find you would have missed it. Either way, in every situation, you must seek the Lord, listen to His voice, and follow His instruction. Then you will act in a way that pleases Him.

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I am coming to You for my discernment to be strengthened. Teach me. I know I think a lot. Sometimes I look at the signs, indications and implications and think I have it all figured out. Then I use my evaluation and experience to decide my next step. I think I know what happened and what to do. I repent for every time I followed my way without consulting You first. You and I both know, however, and as many times as I could be wrong, and I have been wrong. The discernment, You give to me, allows me to see beyond the natural. It helps me understand the spirit behind the actions and the attitudes that are not readily and naturally evident. It is Your discernment that allows me to respond to any situation by showing Your love with a godly attitude and in the right frame of mind. Supernatural discernment allows me to see how, when, and where the devil stepped in. I need the discernment that comes from You. Please continue to teach me. I am ineffective without it…

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Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.