Discerning the Lord's Mind

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 6
“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:22And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)).
As to discerning the Lord’s mind, it is largely a question of the state of soul. “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him” (Psa. 25:1414The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14)). Is the eye single? Do I desire only His will? Am I not blinded through self-interest or self-will in some way? Do I refer all to the Lord and wait on Him to know His will? If so, He will guide.
We do not expect any revelation or anything extraordinary, but He, by laying on the mind what is pleasing to Him or by some providential way, will indicate His will. This may be so distinct that it virtually amounts to a certainty in the mind, though we may not be able to prove it to another.
The great thing is nearness to the Lord and a subject mind, with the desire, “Show me Thy ways” (Psa. 25:44Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. (Psalm 25:4)). He sets before us an open door with something to indicate that we may enter. We see His hand in it, recognize it and act accordingly.
A. H. Rule (from a letter)