A Prayer for Discernment
By Laura Bailey
Bible Studying
“So give your servant a discerning coronary heart to control your individuals and to differentiate between proper and fallacious. For who is ready to govern this nice individuals of yours?” – 1 Kings 3:9 NIV
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I sat there, twisting my arms, my abdomen in knots, feeling intense stress to decide. Normally, I’m fast. I satisfaction myself on my decisiveness. But, on this case, I struggled with shifting ahead when each the choices and the outcomes appeared helpful. Scripture typically speaks of constructing clever selections and utilizing Scripture to assist information and direct our selections. There are quite a few subjects on which we are able to level to particular verses and see a black-and-white reply to how we must always reply in these conditions.
Do you have got a query about whether or not you need to forgive your neighbor?
Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be type to 1 one other, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Do you surprise if God cares in case you 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 wishes so that you can undergo authority?
Romans 13:1 admonishes, “Everybody should submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no such thing as a authority besides that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
As one in every of my favourite podcasters says, these are locations the place the Bible shouts. However what in regards to the areas wherein 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 seemingly in his early twenties, lacked any expertise, and was understandably nervous and anxious about main the good nation of Israel. One evening, the Lord got here to Solomon in a dream. God advised Solomon to ask for no matter he wished, and God would give to him. In our key verse, we discover Solomon’s response, “So give your servant a discerning coronary heart to control your individuals and to differentiate between proper and fallacious. For who is ready to govern this nice individuals 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 power to make use of your data effectively, whereas discernment, particularly godly discernment, is the power to depend on the Lord when making selections. Solomon was already clever even earlier than asking the Lord to offer him knowledge. He knew that in his power, he would fail at main this nice nation. However, with the Lord on his facet, 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 occasions when he adopted the Lord’s methods, there have been different occasions when he turned from God. All through Solomon’s life, we see the results 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 right now. The Lord wishes 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 might 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 resolve, glorify the Lord.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, we’re grateful that we don’t should expertise life alone; now we have the presence of the Holy Spirit inside our hearts. After 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 stay day by day to glorify You. We love you, Lord. Might our coronary heart’s want all the time search to convey you honor and glory, perpetually and ever.
In Jesus’ Title. Amen.
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