Why Discernment Matters Now More Than Ever

Have you ever walked into a room and just felt something was off?

Or maybe someone smiled and said all the right things—but something in your spirit said, “This isn’t right.”

That’s discernment—God’s way of helping us see beyond what’s visible.

At Melkbos Fellowship, we’ve been unpacking this through our sermon series Discernment: The Unseen War, and it's struck a chord for a reason. We’re waking up to the reality that what we see in the natural is only part of the story. There is an active spiritual realm, and we are called to be awake, alert, and aligned with the Holy Spirit in it.

The Spiritual Reality We Can’t Afford to Ignore

Hebrews 5:14 puts it plainly:

“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Discernment isn’t just for prophets or pastors—it’s for everyone who wants to grow in maturity. Scripture tells us we’re in a war (Ephesians 6:12), and discernment is how we stop fighting shadows and start targeting the real enemy.

Without discernment, we risk:

• Being deceived by what looks good but isn’t.
• Being overwhelmed by fear, confusion, or emotion that isn’t from God.
• Being passive in situations that require spiritual authority.

But with discernment, we can:

Recognize spiritual influences behind behaviors and atmospheres.
Pray with accuracy and authority, not just guesswork.
Walk in greater freedom—and help others do the same.

As Pastor Rob often reminds us, we live in a dual realm. What we experience in the physical is often shaped by what’s happening in the spiritual. When our spiritual eyes are opened to this reality, we begin to live from a place of wisdom, awareness, and authority in Christ.

So, How Do We Grow in Discernment?

The good news is that discernment can be trained—it’s a spiritual muscle we grow over time with the Holy Spirit’s help. Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit Daily

Discernment doesn’t begin with our feelings—it begins with Him. Start your day by asking:
“Holy Spirit, help me see what’s really going on today. Help me to respond with wisdom and love.”
Discernment is relational. As we stay close to the Spirit, He teaches us what to notice and how to respond.

2. Pay Attention to What You Feel in the Spirit

Sometimes your spirit picks up something before your mind understands it. You might feel unsettled, heavy, or unusually tired around a certain person or in a particular place. Instead of brushing it off, pause and ask:
“Lord, is there something here you’re showing me?”
Don’t assume—ask Him for clarity.

3. Train Yourself with Scripture

The Bible is the lens through which we discern truth. Read it regularly. Meditate on it. Let it shape how you see the world.
As Hebrews 4:12 says,

“For the word of God is alive and active... it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

If your discernment contradicts the Word, it’s not from God. Scripture keeps us grounded and protects us from deception.

4. Submit What You Discern

Even if you're sure about what you're picking up spiritually, it's wise to share it with mature believers or leaders for confirmation. This keeps us humble and aligned.
God often confirms discernment through unity in the body—not just individual insight.

5. Practice and Reflect

Each day, take a moment to look back and ask:

• What did I sense today?
• Was that from God—or was it emotion, assumption, or fear?
• How did I respond?

This reflection helps you learn and grow in discernment over time.

Discernment Leads to Maturity and Authority

We’re not meant to be passive Christians tossed around by everything that looks or feels urgent. We are called to shine as lights in the darkness (Philippians 2:15), and that requires seeing clearly.

Discernment leads us to deeper maturity, greater sensitivity to the Spirit, and boldness to pray and act with Kingdom authority.

So let this be a season where you ask the Lord to awaken your spiritual senses. Let’s move from milk to solid food. Let’s stop living unaware and start walking as those who truly see.

Because when the Church opens its eyes, the enemy has no place to hide.

Reflection Questions for the Week:

• Where in your life do you need greater spiritual clarity?
• Have you been ignoring promptings from the Holy Spirit?
• Who can you invite to walk with you as you grow in discernment?

Let’s be people who see—and people who set others free.

Listen to the sermon series here