Have you ever entered a place and something just doesn’t feel right? Have you ever shortly thereafter discovered the reason why you shouldn’t be there? I think most of us have been in similar situations at some point. Some people refer to this as a 6th sense. Now, before you go thinking I’ve completely lost it, please hear me out.
I know many parents have had a hunch about their child; as to something they may be struggling with for example. Some gut feelings could be based on predictable behaviors or character. Once in a while things get overlooked the first time we encounter them, but visiting them again with more wisdom can make us more aware. Some of our sense could be influenced by our conscience too. Much of what people experience, I believe is discernment (keen insight or judgment).
I believe the Lord gives us discernment to make choices that are pleasing to Him. I don’t know if it’s a 6th sense necessarily. I believe the Holy Spirit guides us in our lives. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in prayer and have had heaviness in my heart to pray for someone. Often without knowing many details, I will pray in the direction I feel led to by the Lord. Sometimes, I later get confirmation of the need for specific prayer, other times I don’t.
Here are a few of many scriptures on discernment in the Bible:
- In Leviticus 10:10, the LORD said to Aaron, “…that you may distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean…”
- Paul writes in Ephesians 1: 17-19, “…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power…”
- Paul writes in Philippians 1:9-11 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ…”
How do we become better at discernment? It’s by being in the Word regularly. You will learn how the Lord works and of things that are offensive and pleasing to Him. We are not perfect and don’t always know what to pray for. This is why we need the Lord’s guidance through His word and relationship with Him.
Scripture reference is quoted from the NKJV.