Discerning the will of God

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Mar 22, 2023
105
13
18
#21
Truly - in what place have ye found emotion rather than direct scripture, even the Word, which can be attributed to me?
Indeed, the Lord our God (the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) is One.
 
Mar 22, 2023
105
13
18
#22
Truly - again, what proof have ye that such attributes are found in me; for there is One who convicts righteously, and there is another who accuses. And the law is "by witness of two or three" and the evidence is presented. If thou hast found fault, please specify unto edification.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,429
6,707
113
#23
Truly - what judgement do you speak of?
And - please, if you would - what act of faithlessness do you speak of?
Any time a person is uncertain as to whether or not what he did, does or will do is crrect, then doing whatever is a sin.
 
Mar 22, 2023
105
13
18
#24
Any time a person is uncertain as to whether or not what he did, does or will do is crrect, then doing whatever is a sin.
Again, specificity - for correction IS the way of Life.
Is it not written:

If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

again:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Therefore, by what knowledge the Lord our God hath granted thee for correction, I shall surely be delivered.

But if I err not, why chidest thou?

The Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the only begotten Son of the true and living God be magnified.
 

Karlon

Well-known member
Mar 8, 2023
2,604
1,173
113
#25
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
the best way to do that is to be a born again Christian because you are living with God's Holy Spirit. He is the comforter & teacher. quiet time without sound in your favorite room is best also. any Christian will know when "feeling" is proper because it will be a message from the H.S. lack of peace......- no, it could be the devil it's temptation working against you. as with anything you have to learn, be willing for it to take time, to renew yourself in the discerning process. i ask Jesus to point me in the right direction if i'm ambivalent. don't forget you have angels walking with you in life. pray that your ability to recognize the H.S. is sharpened. uncertainty is adversity which is a great way to admit, identify, recognize & correct problems. blessings to you.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,129
3,689
113
#26
Truly - what scripture have I shared that is not from the Lord?
And how knowest thou that His Majesty's servant does not read, study, and apply.
The law is "by the witness of two or three" that we convict.

Your righteous reproof is welcomed.
The Lord be magnified.
Please, don't get offended. I was sincerely answering the first post. If you have searched the word, then that is enough. Yes? Go about doing what the word has commanded us to do.
 

HopeinHim98

Well-known member
Mar 16, 2023
529
417
63
#27
I'm assuming you pray in these situations because that's how we interact with God. How often are you reading his word? You used the right word. Discern. The Bible can't cover every single topic but just by reading it regularly you can discern or tell how God feels about something even if it's not mentioned exactly in the Bible directly just by seeing how God interacts with people in general. The most important thing is always to put your relationship with God first and not allow anything to interupt that. Matthew 6:33. And what is it that makes you feel like you can't have peace about it, if, like you said there isn't anything against it?
Yes I do pray in situations like this for sure, for wisdom and guidance, etc. And I am often in the Word. I know that those are very important in discerning His will. But I also feel like sometimes I have a problem of whenever I am undecided about a decision and I read the Bible, everything applies, and often in a negative way. I really related to Elisabeth Elliot who said to her daughter something along the lines of, "You know me, how I think God's will is whatever I don't want to do."

I guess this subject is pretty close to my heart because I broke an engagement because I didn't have peace. Yes, there were some "red flags" I guess you could say, but I couldn't quite put my finger on one major thing. It was heartbreakingly hard, and he thought I wasn't trusting God. But I did seek God in His word and believed He did make it clear I was doing His will by breaking it off.
 
Mar 22, 2023
105
13
18
#28
Please, don't get offended. I was sincerely answering the first post. If you have searched the word, then that is enough. Yes? Go about doing what the word has commanded us to do.
I am in no wise offended, beloved; but that you may understand that there is much to be considered before speaking in the spirit of reproof.

Know ye not that ye speak to an hoary headed one who does serve willingly - one who has pledged his life, unto the death of a martyr if need be - to receive the Blessing of blessings, even eternal life? There is much that I could share regarding the blessings of the Lord upon my life - how that I have been snatched from the clutches of Death himself repeatedly, and the like. The glory IS the LORD's; but if I share, many speak evil, saying, "Who does this fellow presume himself to be?". But he that endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved.

I am sorry for your grief - truly. The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth be with you in great abundance; for truly, the days do approach (and for many of us, are upon us even now):

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

The Lord be magnified above all others.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,429
6,707
113
#29
Again, specificity - for correction IS the way of Life.
Is it not written:

If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

again:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Therefore, by what knowledge the Lord our God hath granted thee for correction, I shall surely be delivered.

But if I err not, why chidest thou?
The Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the only begotten Son of the true and living God be magnified.
I am afraid I am not able to be less vague, or more articulate than I have been. Perhaps were you to have asked me five decades sooner I would have been capable but now my own abilities seem to have escaped me. May God bless you always and hold you close..
 
Mar 22, 2023
105
13
18
#30
Beloved brother,
May His Majesty, our Wonderful Counselor and Everlasting Father quicken you and renew your strength greatly; for so He has done with me - truly. For the world would say (at the sound of my age), behold - an old man; but (besides the silver hair) the appearance of my face and vigour of my limbs causes the onlooker to say, "this young man hath dyed his hair; he mocks the elderly"; but far be it from me.

The peace and love of He who preserves us forever be upon thee and thy cherished ones in abundance.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,429
6,707
113
#31
Beloved brother,
May His Majesty, our Wonderful Counselor and Everlasting Father quicken you and renew your strength greatly; for so He has done with me - truly. For the world would say (at the sound of my age), behold - an old man; but (besides the silver hair) the appearance of my face and vigour of my limbs causes the onlooker to say, "this young man hath dyed his hair; he mocks the elderly"; but far be it from me.

The peace and love of He who preserves us forever be upon thee and thy cherished ones in abundance.
May you be so blessed d also. Thank you for the wonderful blessings. jj
 
Mar 22, 2023
105
13
18
#32
May you be so blessed d also. Thank you for the wonderful blessings. jj
Beloved brother, why do you provoke tears from the weary eyes of your own brother and fellow servant?
I shall surely commune with the Spirit, saying that JaumeJ doth rejoice greatly in the Lord our God, because of His Majesty's blessings which are poured out from the heavens of heavens - upon him.

Again,
The peace and love of He who preserves us forever be upon thee and thy cherished ones in abundance.
Be exceedingly well.
 

Walter

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2022
1,282
597
113
77
Washington
firstthings1sttab.tripod.com
#33
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
Hello HopeinHim98, Things in general just get in our focus, like waring against us all the time, trying to have its way with us, but we also MUST TAKE CARE OF WHAT THE WORDS OF GOD ARE SAYING FIRST. Proverbs 3:5-7, Romans 12:3-21

Love, Walter and Debbie
 
Mar 22, 2023
105
13
18
#34
Beloved brother, why do you provoke tears from the weary eyes of your own brother and fellow servant?
I shall surely commune with the Spirit, saying that JaumeJ doth rejoice greatly in the Lord our God, because of His Majesty's blessings which are poured out from the heavens of heavens - upon him.

Again,
The peace and love of He who preserves us forever be upon thee and thy cherished ones in abundance.
Be exceedingly well.
(...tears of joy)
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,472
13,785
113
#35
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
The Bible does not give clear, specific direction on most of the issues we face in our everyday lives. It does give clear direction on certain issues, and we should be wise to follow these. For the rest, read Proverbs and apply the principles taught therein, and beyond that, apply general wisdom: is the action I'm considering legal, moral, and affordable? Does it edify others or tear them down?

"Peace" by itself is not a good indicator, because it is subjective. As you grow in your relationship with God, you will come to sense the difference between "human" peace and God's peace. The former can lead you astray, while the latter can give you great confidence in the face of confusion and opposition.

God gives us a lot of freedom in our lives, and He doesn't intend to make every decision for us. However, you will learn how He speaks to you; it may be different than how He speaks to others around you but it is valid nonetheless. Ask Him for direction in little things, so that you develop a sensitivity to His voice (whatever form it takes).
 

HopeinHim98

Well-known member
Mar 16, 2023
529
417
63
#36
As you grow in your relationship with God, you will come to sense the difference between "human" peace and God's peace. The former can lead you astray, while the latter can give you great confidence in the face of confusion and opposition.
Thank you. Yes I do think it's a maturity thing too partly...
 

HopeinHim98

Well-known member
Mar 16, 2023
529
417
63
#37
The will of God for us is found in scripture. Read, study, and apply…you will be in God’s will.
I realize we must be grounded in the Word of God to be able to see His will. But some things aren't spelled out in Scripture, and we need to have our "senses exercised to discern good and evil". (Heb. 5:14) If we didn't have to worry about feelings at all I don't think the writer of Hebrews would have said it that way, do you?

For example, what about when the Spirit forbade the missionaries to go into Bithynia? (Acts 16:7) To most that would seem like a clear-cut "right" thing to do, go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Yet the Spirit "suffered them not" it says.
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
13,584
9,103
113
#38
Does anyone have advice on how to discern the will of God? How much should we go by feelings? Should a lack of peace about doing something be enough to stop us from doing it, even if there's nothing clear in the Bible against it? I have struggled with knowing if I should, for example, take a certain trip or make a certain decision, sometimes huge decisions and sometimes just tiny everyday ones. How do I know if it's my own mind, or the still small voice of God if I don't "have peace" about it?
Romans 12

New King James Version

Living Sacrifices to God
12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.


I have gone long stretches in my Christian life where God’s Presence was not evident, and it was hard to discern His Will. The above passage explains why.

A lack of renewing my mind, and not walking in the Spirit.

We renew our minds by drawing closer to Him. He never moves from us. We move from Him.

So we can draw closer to Him by the things we KNOW are His Will.

Reading the Word.
Praying.
Fellowship with other believers.
Serving Him, by serving others.
NOT doing the things we know grieve and displease Him.

Do all those, and His Will definitely will be made manifest to you.

Yes. I’ve had those times before, knowing His Perfect Will, and nothing negative fazed me. Yet I always wonder why I so easily slip back to NOT doing those things.

Be blessed brother. Remember that He loves you immensely, and that it’s His Grace that enables us to do perform His Will.
 

HopeinHim98

Well-known member
Mar 16, 2023
529
417
63
#39
Romans 12

New King James Version

Living Sacrifices to God
12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.


I have gone long stretches in my Christian life where God’s Presence was not evident, and it was hard to discern His Will. The above passage explains why.

A lack of renewing my mind, and not walking in the Spirit.

We renew our minds by drawing closer to Him. He never moves from us. We move from Him.

So we can draw closer to Him by the things we KNOW are His Will.

Reading the Word.
Praying.
Fellowship with other believers.
Serving Him, by serving others.
NOT doing the things we know grieve and displease Him.

Do all those, and His Will definitely will be made manifest to you.

Yes. I’ve had those times before, knowing His Perfect Will, and nothing negative fazed me. Yet I always wonder why I so easily slip back to NOT doing those things.

Be blessed brother. Remember that He loves you immensely, and that it’s His Grace that enables us to do perform His Will.
I have definitely thought of these verses in relation to this issue. Thank you, it's relevant.

BTW, I'm a sister lol:giggle:
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,429
6,707
113
#40
Beloved brother, why do you provoke tears from the weary eyes of your own brother and fellow servant?
I shall surely commune with the Spirit, saying that JaumeJ doth rejoice greatly in the Lord our God, because of His Majesty's blessings which are poured out from the heavens of heavens - upon him.

Again,
The peace and love of He who preserves us forever be upon thee and thy cherished ones in abundance.
Be exceedingly well.
Those tears are saved in a vial as a commoration of your holy love for the family in Jesus Yeshua.