A Prayer for Discernment
By Laura Bailey
Bible Reading
“So 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?” - 1 Kings 3:9 NIV
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I sat there, twisting my hands, my stomach in knots, feeling intense pressure to make a decision. Usually, I am quick. I pride myself on my decisiveness. Yet, in this case, I struggled with moving forward when both the options and the outcomes appeared beneficial. Scripture often speaks of making wise decisions and using Scripture to help guide and direct our choices. There are numerous topics on which we can point to specific verses and see a black-and-white answer to how we should respond in those situations.
Do you have a question about whether you should forgive your neighbor?
Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Do you wonder if God cares if you stop going to church?
Hebrews 10:25 shares, “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Do you question if God desires for you to submit to authority?
Romans 13:1 admonishes, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
As one of my favorite podcasters says, those are places where the Bible shouts. But what about the areas in which the Bible whispers? How do we know what decision to make?
In 1 Kings chapter 3, we find the young King Solomon. He had just taken over the throne from his father, David. Solomon was likely in his early twenties, lacked any experience, and was understandably nervous and anxious about leading the great nation of Israel. One night, the Lord came to Solomon in a dream. God told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted, and God would give to him. In our key verse, we find Solomon’s response, “So 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?” 1 Kings 3:9 NIV.
Of all the things Solomon could have asked for, he asked for wisdom and discernment. Wisdom is the ability to use your knowledge well, while discernment, specifically godly discernment, is the ability to rely on the Lord when making decisions. Solomon was already wise even before asking the Lord to give him wisdom. He knew that in his strength, he would fail at leading this great nation. But, with the Lord on his side, guiding and directing his steps, he would be prosperous.
The Lord did grant Solomon wisdom, blessing him with wealth and honor. While Solomon's reign was successful, and there were times when he followed the Lord's ways, there were other times when he turned from God. Throughout Solomon’s life, we see the consequences of choosing human wisdom over allowing the Lord to guide him. Thankfully, the Lord quickly granted grace and mercy when Solomon strayed and asked for forgiveness. The Lord was more concerned with Solomon’s heart and the motivations behind his choices, not necessarily the choices themselves. The same is true for us today. The Lord desires that we serve and submit to Him with our hearts, minds, and souls.
So next time you face a difficult decision, precisely one where whatever you choose will be beneficial, take time and ask the Lord for discernment. Lean into the Holy Spirit, listen for the ways He speaks to your heart, and whatever you decide, glorify the Lord.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, we are thankful that we don’t have to experience life alone; we have the presence of the Holy Spirit inside our hearts. When we are at a crossroads, please guide us and let us feel at peace. Thank you for giving us the Bible; its timeless truths help us live daily to glorify You. We love you, Lord. May our heart’s desire always seek to bring you honor and glory, forever and ever.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/primipil
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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