Discernment — Knowing What Deserves Your Yes

Well, hello, my valued listeners, and welcome back to another episode of Living in Your Power. I'm your host, Dr. Marlene Greenleaf, and as always, I am so grateful that you are here with me today as we continue our May theme, The Empowered Yes: Aligning with What You Are Called to Do. Today we're stepping into something that sits right at the center of every decision we make. And today's episode, the 3rd in our May series, is titled Discernment: Knowing What Deserves Your Yes. So let's begin, because not everything requires a yes. Not everything that comes to you is meant for you. Not every opportunity, not every request, not every open door. And yet it can be so easy to say yes, especially when something looks good, feels urgent, or seems aligned on the surface. But discernment asks a deeper question. Is this aligned or just available? Because availability is not the same as assignment. And without discernment, we can fill our lives with good things that were never meant to be ours to carry. John 1:5 says, if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. So he says, ask. Ask. That's the invitation. Discernment is not something you have to figure out on your own. It is something you seek. And God does not withhold wisdom. I mean, he gives it freely, not reluctantly, not conditionally, but generously. So the question is, Are we pausing long enough to ask? Now we are creating space to discern, because discernment requires space. Space to pause, space to reflect, space to listen. But when everything feels urgent, when everything feels important, we can move too quickly. And when we move too quickly, we bypass discernment. And sometimes discernment looks like not answering immediately. Taking time to pray before committing. Sitting with a decision longer than it feels comfortable. Because discernment slows you down just enough to help you move in the right direction. Because a well-discerned no protects your ability to say yes to what truly matters. So here's your scripture reflection empowerment prompt. Let's come back to this, this part of the scripture that says, if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask. So your empowerment prompt this week, I want you to take Take a moment and reflect on these. Where do I need clarity right now? Have I truly asked for wisdom or rushed to respond? And what decision in my life requires discernment before action? As always, I'll repeat those prompts for you. I want you to take a moment this week and reflect on these. Where do I need clarity right now? Have I truly asked for wisdom or rushed to respond? And what decision in my life requires discernment before action? My dear listeners, you don't have to have all the answers, but you do have access to wisdom. So in closing, my friends, discernment is a gift. It's a gift because it protects your time, it guards your energy, And it aligns your steps. And when you lead with discernment, your yes becomes more intentional, more focused, and more aligned with purpose. When you lead with discernment, your yes becomes more intentional, more focused, and more aligned with purpose. I want to thank you for joining me for episode 3 of our May series, The Empowered Yes: Aligning with What You Are Called to Do. So until Next week, dear listeners, I want you to continue to live boldly in your power. And if it gets tough, just breathe. You still got the strength to rise. So until next time, dear listeners, continue to live in your power. Thank you, Marleen.