Have you ever stopped to think about how you make decisions?
Not just the big ones, like career moves or relationships, but the smaller choices you face every day—from what you’ll watch on TV tonight to how you interact online or deal with conflicts.
Living in a world saturated with information, options, and constant noise, discernment is more crucial than ever, especially for us as Christians aiming to navigate this complex terrain.
(You can download a printable version of this devotional with reflection questions at the very end!)
Why Discernment Matters
Discernment is the ability to judge well, to separate truth from deception, and to make decisions that align with God’s will.
In our modern context, this isn’t just a nice skill to have; it’s essential. Every day, we’re bombarded with messages that either pull us towards God or push us away.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Without a strong sense of discernment, it’s easy to get swept along by the current of popular opinion and taken down a path away from God and His will for our lives.
The Noise Around Us
Think about the last time you scrolled through social media. What did you see?
A mix of news, opinions, ads, and updates from friends, right? Each piece of content vying for your attention and subtly influencing your thoughts and beliefs.
In such a world, it’s easy to lose track of what’s biblically sound and what’s not.
The enemy doesn’t always come waving a red flag; more often, he’s hidden in the details, in the seemingly harmless distractions that slowly veer us off course.
The Need for a Filter
This is where God’s Word comes in. Hebrews 4:12 says,
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
What a powerful tool we have! Scripture isn’t just old stories; it’s our filter for everything we encounter.
By saturating ourselves with the truth of the Bible, we can discern what is good and right in God’s eyes.
Practical Steps to Walk with Discernment
So, how do we cultivate this discernment in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps to help you stay spiritually sharp and make godly decisions:
1. Stay Rooted in the Word
The first step is to be regular with your Bible reading. It’s tough to use Scripture as your measuring stick if you’re not familiar with what it says.
Dedicate time each day to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word.
Use resources like commentaries, Bible study apps, or join a study group in your church to deepen your understanding.
2. Pray for Wisdom
James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Make wisdom a regular prayer request. Ask God to help you see situations clearly so you can make decisions that honor Him.
3. Seek Godly Counsel
Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Don’t try to do it all alone. Involve other believers who you respect and who hold to biblical truths.
Sometimes, an outside perspective can help clarify things.
4. Reflect Before You React
In a world of instant everything, it’s easy to react just as quickly.
Try to cultivate a habit of pausing to reflect before responding, especially when emotions are high.
Ask yourself if your response aligns with God’s Word and if it will lead to peace and edification.
5. Guard Your Inputs
Be intentional about the content you consume—be it television, social media profiles, or even the people you associate with regularly.
Ask yourself if what you’re taking in is building you up or subtly tearing you down.
It’s not about avoiding culture entirely but rather engaging with it wisely, with a discerning heart.
If studying the Bible better is on your list of things to do this year, be sure to visit our Bible Study Resources page where you’ll find everything you need to make Bible study a regular part of your daily routine.
Living It Out
Walking with discernment isn’t about getting it right every time or living in fear of making a mistake.
It’s about aiming to see the world through God’s eyes and making choices that reflect His truth and love.
It’s a journey, and like any journey, it takes intentionality and commitment.
But the rewards—a life aligned with God’s purpose and peace in your decisions—are worth every effort.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas of your life where you struggle to apply discernment?
- How might your daily routine change if you prioritized Scripture reading and prayer?
- Who in your life can provide godly counsel and accountability?
It isn’t just an occasional exercise—it’s a daily commitment to live consciously in the light of God’s truth. It’s about continually asking God to sharpen our ability to distinguish between the noise and His voice.
This may not always be the easiest path, and it certainly isn’t the path of least resistance in our world today, but it is the most rewarding one for those of us seeking to truly follow Christ.
Let’s encourage one another as we practice discernment, sharing our victories and challenges. Your journey of discernment might just be the story that helps strengthen someone else’s resolve.
So keep pressing into God, saturating your heart and mind with His Word, and living out this beautiful, challenging call to walk wisely.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but faithfulness—walking steadily in God’s grace, growing a little more like Jesus every day.
Stay blessed and keep walking wisely!
Download a printable version of this page along with the reflection questions to keep in your study binder!
Be sure to read more about how the enemy tries to get us off the path towards God:
