Discerning God’s will: pay attention to God’s love for us and where He’s leading us.
We cannot blindly trust and follow our feelings; they have to be discerned prayerfully.
Part of God’s will is to take into consideration: what are You trying to tell me by how I’m feeling inside? (we mustn’t ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.)
The name given to feelings that come as gifts of God’s gracious presence. A sense of peace, joy, love and delight that descends on us. We feel life pulsating through our veins. Our soul is inflamed with love for and of God. Our souls light up when we turn towards Him. Something comes alive in us; the presence of God.
Renewed energy, a release of anxiety and sense of relaxation and peace.
Often, an experience of consolation is a good indication that we’re in line with God’s will.
Feelings when you turn away from God; Ignatius: darkness of soul, turmoil within, disquiet, we become preoccupied or negative, get anxiety and mild depression, irritable. Downward spiral into death, a spiritual turbulence.
Not always, but often our bodies are ahead of us. Our energy feels sapped, our stomach is tight, headache, back is tense, bodies often know instinctively when we’re not in line with God and making poor choices, going in a direction that is contrary to God’s desire for us.
Can be a nudge from God prodding us to a better choice.
Biblical examples-
2 Cor 2 Paul: when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ I found the Lord had opened a door for me. But I had no peace of mind because I didn’t find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went to Macedonia.
Nehemiah hears about the walls being broken down in chapter 1. He recognizes what’s going on inside of him is a sign of God’s gracious presence in him.