Uplifting Renewal

“Discernment is not simply telling the difference between right and wrong, but knowing the difference between right and almost right.” – John Wooden

In a fast moving, ever changing world, discernment has never been more crucial. Information comes at us from all angles. Change is the only constant. What worked yesterday may not apply today. It might fail completely tomorrow.

Why discernment matters

You’ve likely set clear, SMART goals for the months ahead. That’s a great start. But to make wise decisions in an unpredictable world, discernment is key. It helps you sift through information, evaluate options, and recognize what truly matters.

Discernment is more than just choosing between right and wrong, it’s the ability to evaluate the almost right, to see beneath the surface, and to ask deeper questions. In fact, the best answers often begin with the best questions.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.” – Albert Einstein

What is discernment?

Discernment is your inner compass, helping you navigate complexity, ambiguity, and the noise of competing opinions. It allows you to pause, observe, reflect, and choose wisely.

A discerning person is not easily swayed by emotion, appearance, or public opinion. They are grounded, thoughtful, and self-aware. They understand how to:

• Evaluate themselves honestly
• Recognize others’ motives
• Avoid deception
• Stay anchored in their values

Discernment sharpens your ability to focus on what’s essential. It cuts through confusion to uncover truth and wisdom. This applies in both everyday decisions and long-term direction.

What gets in the way? Common barriers to discernment

Discernment doesn’t always come easily. There are physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual blocks that can cloud your judgment:

Physical & Behavioral

• Fatigue or burnout
• Procrastination and slothfulness

Emotional & Psychological

• Low self-esteem or fear of failure
• Fear of being wrong or judged
• Misjudging your role or influence
• Negative emotions like anger, apathy, or cynicism
• Unrealistic expectations about outcomes

Spiritual

• Disobedience or resistance to God’s guidance
• Neglecting prayer or time in the Word
• Ignoring inner promptings from the Holy Spirit

These internal and external factors often lead to poor decision-making, emotional reactivity, or regret. True discernment requires self-awareness and intentional reflection.

How to develop discernment

Discernment is both a gift and a skill and it can be cultivated through daily practice:

1. List your options before jumping to conclusions.
2. Ask honest questions, even if you think you already know the answer.
3. Stay curious. The desire to grow creates room for new insights.
4. Listen actively, not just to others, but to yourself and to God.
5. Welcome diverse viewpoints with empathy and humility.
6. Stay updated on relevant information; read, research, reflect.
7. Be mindful and sit with discomfort. Growth often begins there.
8. Trust your path, make a choice, and learn through doing.
9. Seek feedback and schedule regular self-check-ins.

Spiritual discernment: Seeing with God’s eyes

Discernment takes on a deeper level when rooted in your spiritual life. It’s about perceiving God’s will, His heart, His timing, and His truth.

The gift of spiritual discernment, given by the Holy Spirit, helps you recognize the spiritual forces at work in any situation. This can look like:

• A sense of peace or conviction about a decision
• A warning about a person or situation
• Clarity during prayer or time in God’s Word

Spiritual discernment isn’t about being critical, it’s about being wise. It helps you distinguish between divine guidance, human emotion, and spiritual deception.

“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” – John 7:24

Anchoring your discernment in scripture

To cultivate spiritual discernment, you must consistently anchor yourself in Scripture. The Bible should be your primary compass, not just one of many voices. God’s Word trains your mind to distinguish truth from lies, and His Spirit sharpens your insight.

The book of Proverbs speaks repeatedly about discernment as a form of wisdom and protection. And in Hosea 4:6, God says:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

Discernment protects your purpose. Without it, you risk walking in spiritual darkness; immature, misguided, or easily deceived.

Praying for discernment

Praying for discernment is essential. As life grows more complicated and noisy, we must seek clarity from the source of all wisdom; God Himself.

Here’s how to pray for discernment:

1. Be specific: Ask for clarity in particular areas of life.
2. Be willing to obey once direction is revealed.
3. Be open to correction or new insights.
4. Be consistent in prayer, even when answers take time.
5. Be rooted in Scripture, so you recognize God’s voice over others.
6. Seek Godly counsel; trusted mentors, spiritual leaders, and mature friends.

Discernment grows over time. Be patient and stay prayerful.

Choose to see clearly

In a world overflowing with voices, noise, and distractions, discernment is more than a spiritual luxury, it’s a survival skill.

Whether you’re making a business decision, navigating a relationship, or choosing your next step in life, ask for the gift of discernment. It will shield your heart, sharpen your mind, and guide your purpose.

When you cultivate discernment, you won’t be led astray by emotions, peer pressure, or fleeting trends. You’ll walk in wisdom, courage, and spiritual clarity.

“We need discernment in what we see and what we hear and what we believe.” — Charles R. Swindoll