#discernment #waterwalkinggirls

How do I know what’s on the other side of the door? Should I open the door and go through? What if I make the wrong choice? How can I discern the will of God?

Have you ever had these questions swirling through your head when you are in the midst of making a decision?  I certainly have!  

Below are some things I do to be open and ready for listening to God and being available for discernment.

• Daily devotion:  To discern God’s will I have to be still.  Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still and know that I am God.”  When I am in the hustle and bustle of my day I find it is hard to hear God’s voice.  Therefore every morning before I begin my day I spend time in devotion and prayer.  I take this time to study scripture, meditate, and listen.  Even during devotion time I can fail to discern God’s will if I do all the talking and never stop to be still and quiet.  

• Be open:  To discern God’s will I have to be open.  I have to be ready to receive God’s word by having open ears, eyes and mind.  I have to be willing to accept that His message for me may come in so many ways.  Sometimes God speaks through the most expected outlets such as through scripture, prayer and devotion and sometimes God speaks in the most unexpected outlets such as through another person, a song, or even nature.  However if I am not open to all these opportunities to listen then I may miss out on discerning God’s will.

• Journaling:  As I have shared before I enjoy journaling.  Part of my devotion time includes journaling.  Journaling for me has no certain formula and varies from day to day.  Some days I write down scriptures or parts of devotions or insights that strike a chord with me and I want to be able to meditate on or come back to later.  Some days I write down joys, concerns and prayer requests.  And some days I write as if I am talking to God.  I also like to take notes during sermons so later I can reflect on them.  No two days look the same in my journal.  I just write whatever I feel led to and also like to go back and see how God has answered prayers.  Habakuk 2:2 instructs: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.”

• Seek peace:  Often when I am trying to discern God’s will I feel much turmoil.  I want to make the right decision.  Sometimes the turmoil inside me is because I know what God wants me to do but I don’t want to.  Therefore it requires my submission and obedience.  While arriving at a decision may cause turmoil within me, when I finally arrive at a decision and have peace about it, I know that was the choice God wanted me to make.  Submission to God’s will brings peace.  

Discernment is hard.  Discernment doesn’t come easily.  However, having a daily relationship with God does bring me closer to being in tune with God’s will.  What steps are you following today to seek discernment?  How do you know which way to go?  “Will you go through the door or choose a different door? Listen to this song and perhaps you can “Be Still and Know.”

Be Still and Know by Steven Curtis Chapman