How Spiritual Awareness Helps Us Respond to Today’s World
Have you ever looked up at the sky, noticed the clouds rolling in, and thought, “I’d better grab an umbrella”? Or maybe you’ve seen a red sunset and remembered the old saying: “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight”? These are simple ways of noticing and interpreting signs in nature to help us make decisions about what’s coming next. In the Bible, Jesus used this everyday concept to teach a deeper truth: we’re called to pay attention—not just to the weather, but to what’s happening in the world around us spiritually, socially, and even politically. This is what people mean when they talk about “discerning the times.”
But what does it really mean for regular people? Let’s break it down together.
What Does “Discerning the Times” Mean?
At its heart, discerning the times simply means being aware of what’s going on in the world—on a deeper level than just the headlines or social media trends—and responding wisely and faithfully. It’s about noticing the spiritual “climate” just like you’d notice the weather, and then making choices that honor God. Imagine a gardener deciding when to plant seeds: they check the seasons, read the signs, and act accordingly. In the same way, we’re invited to “check the season” of life and act with purpose.
1. Spiritual Awareness and Wisdom
· More Than Casual Observation: Discerning the times is not just glancing around and guessing what’s happening. It’s about truly paying attention to what God is doing in the world, in your community, and even in your own heart.
· Recognizing the “Spirit of the Age”: Sometimes, the world seems to be swept up in certain ideas or attitudes. Discerning the times means noticing when these trends are helpful and when they might pull us away from God’s purposes.
· Understanding Opportunities and Challenges: Every season of life brings new chances and new obstacles. Wisdom is knowing how to spot both, and seeking God’s help to respond.
How Do You Grow in Spiritual Awareness?
· Spend time in quiet reflection and prayer. Ask God to open your eyes to what’s really happening.
· Read the Bible, especially stories where people had to figure out what God was doing so they could join in.
· Talk with trusted friends and mentors. Sometimes others can see things we miss.
2. Responding to the Times
So, you’ve noticed what’s happening—now what? The next step is to respond wisely.
· Take Action: Sometimes discerning the times means stepping up and doing something—helping someone, praying for a specific need, or offering hope to those who are struggling.
· Live with Readiness: The Bible often talks about being ready, especially as we anticipate Christ’s return. Rather than setting dates or predicting the end, it means living in a way that you’re always prepared.
· Guide Others: When you have spiritual insight, you can help others see clearly too. Sometimes this means giving encouragement, sometimes it’s just being present and listening.
Examples in Everyday Life:
· A friend is overwhelmed by news events and doesn’t know what to do. You listen and pray with them, helping them find hope.
· You notice your community is struggling with division or fear. You choose to be a peacemaker, showing kindness even when it’s hard.
· You sense God is nudging you to get involved in your church, your neighborhood, or a cause that matters. You respond, even if you’re not sure where it will lead.
3. Lessons from the Bible
Jesus often used simple, everyday examples to teach spiritual truths. One time, people asked Him for a “sign from heaven”—a miracle to prove who He was. Instead, Jesus pointed out that they could read the weather but missed the most important signs right in front of them.
· Matthew 16:2-3: “When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.” Jesus used this example to show that people were good at reading natural signs but not spiritual ones.
· Luke 12:54-56: Jesus encouraged people to be just as wise about their souls as they were about practical matters like the weather.
· Book of Numbers: The Israelites faced choices on the edge of the Promised Land. Some saw only obstacles, while others saw God’s opportunities. Their responses shaped their future.
What Can We Learn?
· It’s easy to get caught up in what we see every day and miss what God is doing.
· Signs aren’t always spectacular—sometimes they’re quiet changes, new opportunities, or shifts in our hearts.
· Discerning the times means not just seeking what we want, but looking for what God is already doing.
4. Practical Application: How to Put It Into Practice
So, how do you actually “discern the times” in your life?
· Commit to Seeking God’s Will: Make it a habit to ask, “God, what are you doing right now? How can I join in?”
· Stay Watchful and Prayerful: Keep your eyes and heart open. Pray not just for your needs, but for wisdom to see the bigger picture.
· Stay Informed: Know what’s going on in the world, in your community, and in your church. Don’t get overwhelmed, but don’t ignore it either.
· Seek Wisdom from God’s Word: Let the Bible shape how you see things. Sometimes a verse or a story will give you insight you never expected.
· Be a Source of Light: When you understand the times, you can offer guidance, comfort, and hope to others who feel lost or confused.
Real-Life Scenarios:
· You notice your workplace is changing—new pressures, shifting culture. Take some time to pray, ask God for wisdom, and look for ways to reflect His love.
· There’s a tragedy or crisis in the news. Rather than just reacting, pause to discern: Is there a way you can help? Is God calling you to pray or take part in a solution?
· Your family is entering a new season—a move, a loss, a major change. Seek God’s presence, ask for guidance, and look for His fingerprints in the details.
Why Is Discerning the Times Important?
Life is full of uncertainty. The world changes quickly, and it’s easy to feel swept away by everything happening. But when we learn to see with spiritual eyes—when we discern the times—we’re able to respond with hope, wisdom, and courage. We don’t have to be experts or prophets; we just need to be attentive, willing, and open to God’s guidance.
When you discern the times, you become:
· More at peace, even when things are unpredictable
· Better equipped to help others
· A person who reflects God’s love, wisdom, and strength in practical ways
Final Thoughts
Discerning the times isn’t about being mysterious or having all the answers. It’s about noticing what’s really going on—on the surface and in the depths—and choosing to respond with faith and wisdom. Just like a farmer reads the sky to know when to plant, we’re invited to read the signs of our days, seek God’s will, and act in ways that bring light and hope.
If you’re ever unsure of what’s happening or what to do, remember: God is with you, ready to guide you. Ask for wisdom, pay attention to what’s unfolding, and be ready to respond. In a world that often feels confusing, living with discernment is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves—and those around us.
Blessings,
A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 