Insight for Today
A Daily Devotional by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Direction, Discipline, and Discernment

To grasp what true success really is and how to obtain it, we need to tune out the seductive messages from the world and tune in to the instructive messages from the Word. How? It occurs to me we need at least three things to make this happen. 

First, we need direction so we can know to whom we should submit. Let’s understand . . . start trying to please everybody, and you’re assured of instant failure and long-term frustration. We need direction from God. So begin to pray, “Lord, direct me to the right ones to whom I should submit.” Count on Him for direction. 

Second, we need discipline to restrain our hellish pride. Pride will keep rearing its ugly head. The more successful we get, the stronger the temptation to rely on the flesh. I use the words “hellish pride” because it is just that. Pride will whisper ways to promote ourselves (but look very humble and pious). Pride will tell us how and when to manipulate or intimidate others. We need discipline to keep ourselves from being our own deliverers. We need discipline to stay under the hand of God. Remember that—under His mighty hand. But pride hates being under anything or anyone. So ask God for discipline here.

Third, we need discernment so we can detect the beginning of anxiety. Ever have something begin to kind of nag you? You can’t put your finger on it. It’s fuzzy. Sort of a slimy ooze. It’s just growing in the corner, nagging you, getting you down. That is the beginning of a heavy anxiety. We need discernment to detect it, identify it, and get to its root so we can deal with it. When we see the beginning of anxiety for what it is, that’s the precise moment to cast it on God. 

God’s success is never contrived. It is never forced. It is never the working of human flesh. It is usually unexpected—and its benefits are always surprising. The hand of God holds you firmly in His control. The hand of God casts a shadow of the cross across your life. Sit down at the foot of that cross and deliberately submit your soul to His mighty hand. Accept His discipline. Acknowledge His deliverance. Ask for His discernment. 

Then be quiet. Be still. Wait. And move over so I can sit beside you. I’m waiting too. 

GET DEVOTIONAL E-MAILS

Sign up to receive Chuck Swindoll's Daily Devotional in your inbox seven days a week.
 
Sign Up