Philippians 1:9-11. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
The Lord Himself taught us how to pray:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9–10).
Prayer begins not with our needs, but with God’s will. Scripture gives us this assurance:
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14–15).
But how do we discern God’s will amid real problems, pressure, and confusion? How do we distinguish between what merely feels urgent and what is truly important?
First, see problems through the lens of the gospel. Problems arise for many reasons—our own failures, the sins of others, or circumstances beyond anyone’s control. But regardless of the cause, one truth remains unshaken: God’s will is not threatened by our problems.
Our Father is sovereign and good. He works in all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Even our mistakes cannot cancel His purpose. Often, God uses our failures to teach us a deeper dependence on Him.
Instead of being trapped by the problem itself, allow it to become a springboard that moves you forward in faith. Refuse to live in excuses or blame. Do not allow Satan to weaponize your circumstances against you. In time, you will discover that God turns what the enemy intended for harm into a blessing.
In all circumstances, discern what is best, not merely what is possible. David faced relentless danger throughout his life. King Saul hunted him for years out of jealousy. When David had a clear opportunity to kill Saul, his companion urged him to act. But David refused:
“Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” (1 Samuel 26:9).
David saw beyond personal relief or human logic. He respected God’s sovereignty. Even after Saul’s death, David mourned, fasted, and wept for him (2 Samuel 1:11–12). This spiritual discernment—choosing what honored God over what benefited himself—is why Scripture calls David “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22).
Joseph showed the same gospel-centered discernment. He could have retaliated against his brothers who betrayed him, but instead he recognized God’s redemptive purpose:
“Do not be distressed… because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (Genesis 45:5).
Joseph chose forgiveness because he saw God’s will unfolding beyond personal pain.
Always ask what advances the gospel. The apostle Paul viewed life entirely through the lens of the gospel. Prison did not discourage him—it became a platform:
“What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).
His chains strengthened the faith of other believers and enabled him to boldly testify to Christ (Philippians 1:13–14). Before reacting to circumstances, Paul discerned what would most clearly advance the gospel.
This is the heart of his prayer in that believers would grow in love, knowledge, and depth of insight, so they could discern what is best and live pure, fruitful lives for the glory of God (Philippians 1:9–11).
Paul understood human brokenness and was not afraid of people or persecution (2 Corinthians 11:26). He encouraged believers to adopt the mindset of Christ—humility, obedience, and surrender—knowing that God exalted the name of Christ above all names (Philippians 2:5–11).
Remember that Christ defines what truly matters. Paul’s values were radically transformed by the gospel:
“Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ… I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7–8).
Achievements, success, reputation—none of these compared to knowing Christ and proclaiming Him. When the world feels overwhelming, it is often because our vision has shifted away from Christ. When we chase worldly standards, spiritual discernment fades.
But when Christ becomes central, peace follows. Paul learned contentment in every circumstance:
“I have learned the secret of being content… I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12–13).
Problems are not interruptions to God’s plan—they are often invitations to deeper prayer, clearer vision, and fuller dependence on the Holy Spirit. They refine our priorities and sharpen our discernment.
May God fill you with spiritual wisdom and understanding. May He help you see your circumstances through the lens of the gospel. And may you discern but what is best for His kingdom and His glory.
Prayer. Father, open my eyes to see my circumstances through the lens of the gospel. Fill me with love, wisdom, and spiritual insight so that I may discern what is best and live a life that bears fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.