James 1.5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Proverbs 2.6-8
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.”
To help you exercise discernment in response to any situation you face, here are five questions to ask yourself and pray about.
- How do I currently see the situation?
- What do I not see that I need to see?
- What do I see but am discounting?
- What am I pretending not to see?
- How do others see the situation?
These are powerful questions that will expand your perspective. However, despite the obvious benefits, many people resist ask (and answering) these questions.
Some people are overconfident and arrogant with regard to their own perception and opinions. Others are lazy and indifferent. Still others are simply moving too fast and don’t want to slow down and think. Finally there are those who don’t ask these questions because they are afraid of the answers.
I encourage you to make these five questions a regular part of your thinking and decision-making, and to pray diligently that the Lord would give you discernment and wisdom as you ask—and answer—the questions.
Coram Deo
