Spiritual Discernment- What is it?

— Midweek Meditations:
thoughts, inspiration and encouragement
from ACF community members —

When going about our daily lives, making numerous choices ever so often, are we alone or is there some unseen force doing the prompting/bidding?
The wisest man, who ever lived, according to the bible, did not believe that he was wise enough to make the necessary decisions which would confront him.
So what did he do?

“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 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?”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.

1 Kings 3:7-12

Where can we get the wisdom we need?
Solomon said the beginning of wisdom is a “fear “ or awe of God (Proverbs 9:10) So we can start by asking Him to teach us about Himself and to give us wisdom beyond our own.
It is not about us, it’s all about Him.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you”

Matthew 6:33

When I, me and mine are preempted by Him, He and His, personal transformation becomes a permanent function in the life of the believer.
God is ever so desirous of a personal relationship with us, like that of a loving father to his children. (or a loving mother to her children)
This is a relationship to be treasured and maintained on a daily basis.
It is not something to do once and be expected to go on forever automatically.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

In the process of spiritual discernment God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision.
The above quotation from St. Paul did not indicate that only the big, important decisions are to be taken to the Lord. Speak to Him freely about any and everything. Let Him determine the priorities.
God does not necessarily respond instantaneously, other than giving the inner feeling of peace.
Patience must be exercised in waiting for the right answer. This could come in a short while or sometimes seem forgotten. But God hears and delay must never be construed as denial.
Persevere in

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:2-3

Let us pray:
Dear heavenly Father, you number our hairs and determine our days; you hang the stars and feed the sparrows; you remind us of your promises in this beautiful rainbow, you open doors no one can ever shut and shut doors no one can open.
May we seek and trust you in making the decisions in our daily lives, both great and small.
Amen.