Discernment

Today's practice is that of discernment. I have generally thought of this as a spiritual gift in the past, but really it is the practice of trusting in God's best intentions and seeking them out. There was an interesting quote in the devotional that snagged my attention:

"St. Ignatius of Loyola notes that sin is unwillingness to trust that what God wants is our deepest happiness. Until I am absolutely convinced of this I will do everything I can to keep my hands on the controls of my life, because I think I know better than God what I need for my fulfillment."
-David Benner

The focus of this principle is in the fact that we don't know everything, but God does. When we rush to make a decision or make important choices without first seeking God's will and WAITING for the answer, we fail to practice discernment.

Reflection Questions

Q: How does the way you spend your time and energy reveal what is important to you and reflect the deep desires of your heart?
A: I enjoy spending time serving and doing ministry. Showing God's love is what is important to me.

Q: When making decisions, do you procrastinate or become so uncomfortable with waiting that you jump in and decide so you don't have to endure uncertainty?
A: That is the natural tendency -- to first procrastinate and then make a hasty decision -- but I am being taught to wait for the answer. This is hard because it has pushed me past the "due date" of decision as I see it and has me trusting wholly in God's good will.