Learning to Discern Timing and Seasons

"Discerning God's timing isn't about rushing to the next season––it's about recognizing the purpose of the one you're in. Some doors aren't closed––they're just sealed for divine timing."

There's a stirring in my heart lately–– a quiet realization that life with God is less about rushing toward a destination and more about learning how to walk with Him moment by moment.

As I sat with Scriptures like Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 37:23-24, Proverbs 19:9 and others, a pattern started to emerge.

God was speaking––not just about where to go, but how to move with Him, how to trust Him, and how to recognize His voice in the midst of my own plans haha. You know the saying, "You want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans." Well, I told him and he's laughing but still guiding my steps.

One passage especially stood out:

1 Chronicles 12:32, the mention of the sons of Issachar.

"...of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the time, to know what Israel ought to do..."

They didn't just know facts. They understood timing. They discerned seasons. They knew when to move and when to be still. And that's where God started to whisper to me:

"It's not enough to know your purpose. You must also know your timing."

What It Means to Discern the Times

The sons of Issachar had two gifts that feel rare in today's hurried world:

• An understanding of the times they were living in.

  
  

• Wisdom about what to do in light of those times.

They were spiritually sensitive––not ruled by pressure, appearances, or emotions. They moved when it was right to move and waited when it was right to wait. Discerning seasons isn't about guessing or following feelings. It's about seeking, listening, and trusting that God reveals His will to those who ask and watch for His leading. It means:

• Being prayerful before being impulsive.

  
  

• Seeking peace over pressure.

  
  

• Paying attention when the Spirit says, "Not yet" or "Now, go"

What God Is Teaching Me Through This Season

Through passages like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:4-9, I'm learning that plotting my course isn't about rigid planning–it's about faithful dependance. God is gently teaching me:

• Trust first, not understanding.

  I won't always have all the answers before I move. Trust comes before clarity.

  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

  
  

• Stay rooted in love.

  Every move must be rooted in love for God and love for others. (Matthew 22: 35-40)

  
  

• Stay anchored in His Word.

  God's Word guards my steps when emotions get loud. (Psalm 119:10)

  
  

• Focus on my own lane.

  Not comparing, not rushing to "catch-up"––just remaining faithful where He has me. (Galatians 6:3-4)

  
  

• Trust that He is completing the work in me.

  Even when I can't see the finish line yet. (Philippians 1:6)

  
  

• Wait patiently.

  Delight in Him now, not just in what I'm waiting for. (Psalm 37:4)

The Invitation: Walk With God, Not Ahead of Him

The heart of what I'm hearing God say is this:

"Trust Me fully. Walk closely. Stay sensitive to My Spirit. I will direct your steps––even when the way feels uncertain. Be patient. I am finishing what I started."

I don't want to move just because I'm tired of waiting. I don't want to wait just because I'm afraid of moving. I want to move in step with God. Like the sons of Issachar, I want to understand the times and seasons––to be spiritually sensitive enough to know when it's time to step forward in faith, and when it's time to rest in stillness.

Maybe you're sensing this too–– the longing to move with God's timing, not your own. So here's a prayer I've been whispering lately:

"Lord, teach me to discern the times and seasons. Give me an Issachar spirit––to know when to move and when to wait. Help me to trust You fully, not lean on my own understanding. Anchor me in Your Word, root me in Your love, and steady me in Your peace. Let me not miss what You are preparing because of impatience or fear. Finish the good work You have started in me, and lead me into the plans You have ordained. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen."

If you're like me, you might find yourself asking:

• Is this the right season to act?

  
  

• Or is God calling me to be still and prepare?

Trust that as you seek Him with your whole heart, He will not let you miss His path. He promises to order the steps of those who walk with Him. He promises to complete the work He began. And he promises that delighting in Him will never be wasted. You're not lost.

You're being led––even in the waiting.

Keep walking.

Keep trusting.

Keep delighting.

God is plotting the course for you and with you.