Equipped with Discernment: Seeing Beyond Appearances

Nehemiah 6:2

“That Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, ‘Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono.’ But they intended to do me harm.”

Nehemiah’s ability to discern the true intentions behind Sanballat and Geshem’s invitation was crucial. Their invitation sounded innocent, maybe even friendly, but Nehemiah knew better. He recognized that not every open door is from God, and not every kind word holds good intentions. His example shows us the importance of discernment: seeing situations, people, and decisions through God’s eyes rather than through outward appearances alone. This kind of spiritual insight comes when we draw close to God, allowing His Spirit to guide our hearts.

Discernment is a gift but also a discipline that we must develop. It’s not about seeing through everyone suspiciously; rather, it’s about asking God for wisdom to recognize what aligns with His truth and what doesn’t. Often, the things that seem innocent at first glance—an appealing job offer, a person’s smooth words, or an opportunity that seems too good to be true—can lead us away from God’s path if we aren’t careful. This is why Nehemiah’s story is so relevant to us; his caution and wisdom protected him from harm and allowed him to stay focused on his God-given mission.

Developing discernment starts by knowing God’s word. The Bible equips us with a framework for understanding what God loves and what He cautions against. When we know Scripture, we can better identify actions and attitudes that align with God’s nature and those that don’t. We can also see the goodness in places others might miss, discerning God’s hand even in unlikely situations. This balance is essential—discernment isn’t about becoming negative or suspicious but about judging carefully and faithfully, rooted in truth.

Without discernment, we might mistake our own desires or emotions for God’s will. We might even be tempted to rush ahead, mistaking our impatience for God’s timing or our dreams for His promises. When we rely on God’s wisdom rather than our own, we gain clarity and stability. Nehemiah’s response to his adversaries inspires us to pause, seek God, and look deeper than surface appearances. He saw beyond the invitation to the real intention and acted accordingly, showing us that true discernment not only sees the deception but chooses the faithful path forward.

PRAYER