A Prayer for Discerning God's Directions
“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:6 NLT
Sleep alludes me at times, and I wake in the still of the night. No birds singing, crickets chirping, or breeze blowing. Silence fills the atmosphere. I’d much rather awake to the sound of the birds singing …somehow, it comforts me to know if they’re awake, a new day has begun. Discernment is a big biblical word but a straightforward concept. As the birds tell us the day has begun, discernment is the gut feeling guiding our confident steps in this life.
The ESV Global Study Bible notes, “To make straight one’s paths means to continually progress toward a goal. In Proverbs, the emphasis is on the moral quality of one’s life path.” I love how God has woven His Word and creation together to guide us into action, call us to be still, and know He is God. Discernment for the Christ follower is beyond a typical gut feeling. It’s a wise knowing. Wisdom we accumulate over the years of our lives as we follow Christ through literal hell or high water. Each experience we have with Him bonds us closer to Him. Every Scripture He illuminates for us as we take it into our lives opens up a new perspective to our purpose in this world.
Discernment, defined by the English dictionary, means “acuteness of judgment and understanding.” Chapter 3 of Proverbs begins, “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.” (vv1-2) Discernment allows us a choice. Each day, we choose what to conclude about the Scriptures we have digested and the prayers we have prayed. “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!” chapter three continues, “Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” (vv3-4)
Listen to the full devotional below, or read the devotional by Meg Bucher here.
Video created by Kayla Koslosky.
Photo courtesy: ©Soundstripe/SWN Design
Stock footage courtesy: ©Soundstripe, Tima Miroshnichenko
Originally published August 18, 2023.
