Ask For Discerning Mind
O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. -- Psalm 119:169
I had to look that word up. Discerning. I thought I knew what it meant but I wasn’t sure. The dictionary says it means perceptive or showing good judgment. I guess that explains my confusion.
Sometimes I think it would be easier to just pound my head against the floor than to keep making the same mistakes again and again. I trust people who aren’t worthy of my trust. I believe people who have lied to me again and again. It’s like somewhere in my mind I’ve gotten forgiveness confused with stupidity. Surely God doesn’t expect me to keep walking into the same trap set by the same people?
I know I’m not alone here though I suppose few people will admit it. Frankly, it’s embarrassing. Trusting someone the first time is understandable. You could even make a good argument for giving someone a second chance. But again and again? No excuses. None. Forgiving them is certainly what we’re supposed to do. But forgiving doesn’t mean letting them continue to abuse your trust.
Where do you draw the line? I’ve always had trouble with it, especially when it’s something I desperately want to believe. Like a person who wants to believe her spouse has finally given up alcohol or other women or working 18 hours days. So at what point do you say enough is enough? That’s the spot I have trouble finding.
So I’m asking God to give me a discerning mind. I want to exercise good judgment. I want to be perceptive as I deal with people. I want to make good choices and good decisions. I want to know when it’s appropriate to trust and when I should run far, far away. I want to be someone who carries God’s wisdom in my heart.
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