In general, discernment is accurately evaluating ourselves, people, and situations. We discern things correctly by clearly perceiving what is true, right, and essential. This is said to be according to the King James Version of the Bible.
Discern" is "To examine, prove or test; scrutinize
According to Dictionary .com it defines discernment as "the faculty of discerning, discrimination, acuteness of judgment and understanding.
And according to Cambridge.org definition of discernment is "the ability to judge people and things well."
One of the very first things I learned as a new Christian was to pray everyday for the gift of discernment. I was a brand new Christian and did not totally understand what all of that meant. I just knew it was important.
My husband and I together prayed everyday for discernment, an understanding of discernment, what it all meant as a new believer, as a strong believer, and for sharing the Gospel with others. As time went on it seemed every message I heard mentioned discernment. I knew and felt strongly I needed discernment and wanted to be filled with it. I wanted to know how to pray for someone effectively. I did not want to just pray a lot of words. I wanted to pray with power, understanding, compassion, and positive results.
Ephesians 6:11 tells us to put on the full armor of God. This helps us to pray effectively, battle strongly against the enemy and its tactics.
Without discernment, one is vulnerable to deception and unable to stand firm in faith effectively. When I am praying for someone with a specific need I must ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. I need to understand a little bit of what the person is going through. I need to understand the spiritual aspect of the prayer need. It is not something I take lightly. And to turn that around when I need prayer for a specific reason I fully expect and want that person to be filled with Godly discernment. I want to know that person is prepared to pray for my need(s). Think about it, do you go to a doctor that has no knowledge about your condition? No, we expect that doctor to be well prepared.
I want to encourage you faithful readers. Discernment is a very important gift from the Holy Spirit. I hope and pray you seek this for your own life everyday. Ask Jesus to pour it over you. Let it drench you. It is so very important.
