The beginning of discernment is freedom. I do not mean the do-whatever-you-want kind of freedom, but rather a surrendered willingness to consent to the Father’s will wherever it may lead. This is the freedom of detachment. It’s the freedom of not needing to get our way. It’s rooted in a posture of deep trust and a willingness to let go of control as we listen for God’s leading.
Once we have arrived at this place of freedom, we can listen for the Lord’s voice in the deepest desires of our heart. God often guides us by giving us these deep desires. This always feels radical, and to some even sacrilegious. However, Jesus modeled placing a high value on our desires when he discerned the Father’s will in the desires of another. He said, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Lastly, in our discernment, we pay attention to fruit. What spiritual fruit might our decision produce? In the discernment phase, we can imaginatively envision ourselves walking down different decision paths and then wonder, what fruit manifests within me as I walk this path? If I’m deciding between two jobs, does one produce peace, joy and purpose while the other creates envy, agitations, and jealousy? If so, the potential presence of such fruit can guide our discernment.
These are some of the simple principles of good decision-making informed by contemplative discernment. If you would like a set apart space to give some time to discernment around a decision you are holding, consider signing up for our day retreat.
Photo by Jonas Kakaroto on Unsplash
