A Prayer for Discernment
By Laura Bailey
Bible Studying
“So give your servant a discerning coronary heart to manipulate your folks and to tell apart between proper and improper. For who is ready to govern this nice folks of yours?” – 1 Kings 3:9 NIV
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I sat there, twisting my fingers, my abdomen in knots, feeling intense strain to decide. Normally, I’m fast. I pride myself on my decisiveness. But, on this case, I struggled with transferring ahead when each the choices and the outcomes appeared helpful. Scripture typically speaks of creating sensible selections and utilizing Scripture to assist information and direct our selections. There are quite a few subjects on which we will level to particular verses and see a black-and-white reply to how we must always reply in these conditions.
Do you could have a query about whether or not it’s best to forgive your neighbor?
Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be variety to at least one one other, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Do you surprise if God cares for those who cease going to church?
Hebrews 10:25 shares, “Not giving up assembly collectively, as some are within the behavior of doing, however encouraging each other—and all of the extra as you see the Day approaching.”
Do you query if God needs so that you can undergo authority?
Romans 13:1 admonishes, “Everybody should submit himself to the governing authorities, for there isn’t a authority besides that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
As one in all my favourite podcasters says, these are locations the place the Bible shouts. However what in regards to the areas during which the Bible whispers? How do we all know what determination to make?
In 1 Kings chapter 3, we discover the younger King Solomon. He had simply taken over the throne from his father, David. Solomon was possible in his early twenties, lacked any expertise, and was understandably nervous and anxious about main the nice nation of Israel. One evening, the Lord got here to Solomon in a dream. God instructed Solomon to ask for no matter he needed, and God would give to him. In our key verse, we discover Solomon’s response, “So give your servant a discerning coronary heart to manipulate your folks and to tell apart between proper and improper. For who is ready to govern this nice folks of yours?” 1 Kings 3:9 NIV.
Of all of the issues Solomon might have requested for, he requested for knowledge and discernment. Knowledge is the flexibility to make use of your information nicely, whereas discernment, particularly godly discernment, is the flexibility to depend on the Lord when making selections. Solomon was already sensible even earlier than asking the Lord to provide him knowledge. He knew that in his power, he would fail at main this nice nation. However, with the Lord on his aspect, guiding and directing his steps, he can be affluent.
The Lord did grant Solomon knowledge, blessing him with wealth and honor. Whereas Solomon’s reign was profitable, and there have been instances when he adopted the Lord’s methods, there have been different instances when he turned from God. All through Solomon’s life, we see the implications of selecting human knowledge over permitting the Lord to information him. Fortunately, the Lord rapidly granted grace and mercy when Solomon strayed and requested for forgiveness. The Lord was extra involved with Solomon’s coronary heart and the motivations behind his selections, not essentially the alternatives themselves. The identical is true for us at present. The Lord needs that we serve and undergo Him with our hearts, minds, and souls.
So subsequent time you face a tough determination, exactly one the place no matter you select will likely be helpful, take time and ask the Lord for discernment. Lean into the Holy Spirit, hear for the methods He speaks to your coronary heart, and no matter you determine, glorify the Lord.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, we’re grateful that we don’t need to expertise life alone; we’ve the presence of the Holy Spirit inside our hearts. Once we are at a crossroads, please information us and allow us to really feel at peace. Thanks for giving us the Bible; its timeless truths assist us dwell every day to glorify You. We love you, Lord. Could our coronary heart’s need at all times search to convey you honor and glory, endlessly and ever.
In Jesus’ Title. Amen.
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