There’s something I’ve learned about people who are truly discerning, they are often quiet. You can see them taking it all in. You can often watch them weighing their words before speaking. They are the ones who let you finish talking and truly make you feel as though what you have to say matters.
Then there’s the knowledgeable people. You know the ones. They are always the smartest person in the room, if you ask them. They talk loudly and won’t let you get a word in edgewise. They make you feel cut off and as if you are not valued enough to be heard.
There is a distinct difference between discernment and knowledge. Also, knowledge without wisdom is a waste. It causes so much damage. Knowing everything cannot replace understanding.
I strive so much to be a listener. I often fail. Sometimes I interrupt others in my excitement…I’m working on it though. I am learning that to listen takes true intention. It’s a deliberate act. Not at all passive. Very much intentional.
I just want to encourage you today to begin to grow in your discernment and in your listening skills. Remember how we’ve read, “Where words abound, sin is present.” It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past, today is a new day. It’s never too late to change course.
Remember this, if a person is truly resolved and honestly believes what they are saying, then they won’t find it necessary to shout it or run over you with it anyway. We don’t have to force something the Holy Spirit is resting on. It gains influence and power simply from being true. A person who demands, shouts, cuts others down to “prove” a point has actually only proven that they themselves are extremely insecure.
Today is an opportunity to decide who you want to be and then to move just one step in that direction. The first step doesn’t have to be large, just intentional.
Prayer Moment: God, forgive me for any time my insecurity and pride has caused me to devalue another person. Help me to grow in the art of listening. Give me discernment God, and also the wisdom to use it correctly. Open my eyes to see You in all things. Open my heart to receive truth. Guide and direct my steps down the everlasting path. I will follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Proverbs 14:6-8
365 Days in the Presence 