Sorting the Spiritual Junk Drawer: 3 Practices to Discern Truth

Let’s talk misconceptions. We’ve all had them.

As a child, you probably believed that swallowing gum would stay in your stomach for seven years. Or maybe there was another strange “fact” you accepted without question.

As we grow and mature, ideas we once believed can change as we gain more knowledge and understanding about the world around us. The same thing can happen with our spiritual beliefs.

As a young adult, I held many misconceptions about God and myself. Most of what I thought I knew came from a few Christian influences, other people’s opinions, my feelings, and mainstream media—movies, TV shows, music, and more.

When the Holy Spirit began opening my eyes to the truth of God through the Bible, I realized there was a lot I still didn’t fully understand. My mind felt like a messy junk drawer of spiritual ideas—some useful, some confusing, and some completely misleading.

For a long time, I was content to leave the drawer as it was. But eventually, the clutter became too obvious to ignore. The contradictions and half-truths no longer made sense.

Over time, God has been helping me sort through that junk drawer—gently organizing truth while patiently guiding me as I worked through the rest. Discerning what is true is not always quick or simple. Sometimes it takes time, patience, prayer, and the guidance of Scripture and godly community.

Even now, I don’t claim to have everything figured out. There are still areas that require humility, study, and trust in God’s wisdom. The important thing is to keep seeking, asking, listening, and walking with Him.

So what does this process of discerning spiritual truth actually look like?

While it isn’t always quick or easy, there are practical ways to begin sorting through what is true about God, His story, and your place in it.

1. Ask God

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” —James 1:5

How incredible is that? When you humbly ask God for wisdom, He gives it generously.

He does not shame us for asking or make us feel foolish for seeking understanding. Instead, He delights in giving wisdom to those who sincerely desire it.

Think about King Solomon, a young king who began his reign after his father David. When God asked Solomon what he desired most, Solomon did not ask for wealth or power. Instead, he asked for wisdom:

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil.” —1 Kings 3:9

Solomon’s request pleased God greatly because it was not self-serving. He desired wisdom so he could lead God’s people well.

When your desire is to know truth so that you can love God and love others, God honors that request.

If you feel confused about spiritual matters or unsure about what is true, begin with prayer. Ask God to give you wisdom and clarity. Trust that He hears you and delights in guiding those who seek Him.

2. Hear from God

If you ask God for understanding and wisdom, it only makes sense that you would also listen to Him.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us that Scripture is breathed out by God and is useful for teaching, correcting, and training us in righteousness so that we may be equipped for every good work.

If you want to discern godly truth, you must spend time in God’s Word. The Bible is the primary way God speaks to His people. When you open it, you are hearing from the Creator of the universe.

God’s Word changes us when we consistently return to it. Sometimes that change is immediate and powerful. Other times it is slower and harder to notice—more like the steady growth of a child inching taller day by day.

But whether the change feels dramatic or gradual, your time in Scripture is never wasted. The truth you gain from faithfully reading and hearing God’s Word will not return empty. God is shaping you and preparing you for the good works He has called you to do.

As you read and reflect on Scripture, you begin to recognize what is true and what is false in your previous beliefs. This discernment is an essential step in sorting out misconceptions and aligning your understanding with God’s truth.

So the question becomes simple: Will you meet Him in His Word and respond in obedience?

If you are new to reading the Bible, consider starting with one of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. As you read, pause and reflect on the questions found in my free handout at the end of the post, How Do I Read the Bible?

3. Be Involved with God’s People

“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” —Proverbs 27:17

We grow best when we do life together. Just like athletes improve faster when they train with a team, we grow spiritually when we surround ourselves with others who are focused on the same goal: knowing God and walking in His truth.

If you want to truly understand God and discern what is true while discarding the lies that have held you captive, you need community. Being actively involved in a church where you participate in Bible studies, worship, and fellowship with mature believers gives you encouragement, accountability, and guidance. These relationships help you see blind spots, challenge misconceptions, and better recognize God’s truth.

Look for a church that prioritizes the Word of God and faithfully teaches it. Family can be messy, but it is in this family that God is glorified, and through it, we grow more like Jesus. You need the church, and the church needs you.

Community is not just helpful—it is essential for discerning truth, sorting out misconceptions, and growing in Christlike wisdom.

Reflect and Connect

1. What are some misconceptions you had about God or Christianity?

2. How did you discover they were misconceptions?

3. How has prayer, reading the Bible, or being part of a local church helped strengthen your understanding of God’s truth and the world around you?