Discernment is a word we’re hearing a lot lately at JOY.  We’re also hearing about the “process of discernment,” which sounds as though there’s some formula or set of steps which will result in God’s revelation. Everyday life is filled with choices and decisions, yet most of us do not hear God telling us which clothes to wear or which groceries to buy. Does that mean God doesn’t care? Maybe, but I think God does care, even about the little things. I believe God cares because I believe God is like a loving parent.

As a parent, I care whether my teenage daughter is wearing too much makeup or clothing that’s too tight or too short. I remember sending our daughter back upstairs to change before allowing her to go out with friends. I didn’t care what color she was wearing or if her jeans were straight-legged or boot-cut, but I did care that her choices reflected our family values. Likewise, I believe God cares about our day to day choices for similar reasons. What it boils down to is, God cares because God loves us.

Did our child know I wasn’t going to like her choice of a short, tight, spaghetti-strapped shirt? Of course! How did she know? She knew because she knew me and my values- just like she could tell you what I’d likely enjoy doing on vacation.  We can know God’s will in much the same way: by getting to know God. If we love God and spend time in Scripture, prayer, worship, and fellowship, then we’ll know God’s Word and values.  We can confidently answer questions like, “Is it God’s will for me to help my neighbor in need, or to walk away and pretend I didn’t notice?” Yet, what that looks like may be different for different people. (More about this in tomorrow’s post.)  Read John 7:1-43, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!

Annie