Discernment

I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. Psalm 119:125 (NIV)

If God appeared to you and said, “Ask for whatever you want,” what would you choose? Health? Wealth? Happiness?

How about discernment? Probably not one of your top ten, right? Yet that’s precisely what Solomon asked for. 1 Kings 3:9 tells us Solomon replied, “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?”

Discernment is the ability to assess a situation correctly, a quickness of mind along with sharp insight into what is truly happening in any given circumstance. I don’t know about you, but I sure could use a good dose of discernment!

Like Solomon, the psalmist grasped the importance of discernment not just in terms of life in general but in his daily struggles and concerns. “Give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.” With discernment comes a clearer understanding of God’s character. Discernment provides a glimpse of God’s purpose, enabling us to apply His truths to various situations we encounter.

Wisdom and discernment—we need them both. We may gain knowledge through books, seminars, and counselors. But discernment isn’t found in any book written by man. It is acquired in God’s classroom. The One who created us knows our minds and thoughts, so only He can fully open our minds and enlighten us to respond appropriately.

This gives me great peace, knowing I don’t have to lean on my own understanding to figure it out, but I can rely on the Holy Spirit to supply discernment for each and every circumstance.