We live in a world where we can be shifting the unseen and it all starts with beginning to understand the power of the invisible and the ability to be discerning spirits. We are familiar with the sun, sky, and wind – the weather. But what about the spiritual climate around us? The “atmosphere” idea is not just meteorlogical and can also refer to the spiritual environment. This is the influences of the unseen, the beliefs and voices that hover around us and shape our thoughts, relationships, emotions, and even entire communities.
What Does Discerning Spirits Mean?
Basically, Discerning spirits is the ability to perceive spiritual influences at work. Whether they are aligned with the Holy Spirit or not, this is possible. Scripture mentions that this as a gift and a skill which can be developed through maturity and practice. Hebrews describes people who have “trained their senses to discern good and evil,” which is suggesting that we can grown in our spiritual discernment.
This is not about labeling people, or jumpint to conclusions. This is about “feeling” the atmosphere and determining what you are walking into. See, people are not the problem, it is the influence. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with prinicipalities, powers and rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness. Discernment is about gaining clarity, truth, clarity. It is not about hostig suspicion – which is dark – and more about understanding and what to be shifting.
Importantly, spiritual discernment is not about labeling people or jumping to conclusions. People are never the problem; influences are. True discernment always leads us toward clarity, compassion, and truth, not accusation or control. It is less about suspicion and more about listening.
Understanding Spiritual Atmospheres
Workplaces, cities, homes and, yes, even churches all reflect an atmosphere. This atmosphere reflects what has been resisted, tolerated, welcomed, cultivated. Agreements, trauma, thoughts, beliefs, repeated patterns ALL influence the spiritual atmospheres that are created. For example, when was the last time you walked into a room and “felt” the “tension” or just knew something was “off”?
Unlike that moment when walking into a room and feeling the tense, an atmosphere develops over time. When unhealthy choices or environments are allow without being addressed, unchecked, can grow into a full blown atmosphere. A change can be brought about when we recognize the atmospheres and bring them into the light for change.
The Role of Agreement and Authority
Whether we are conscious of it our not, we partner with spiritual atmospheres through agreements. When recognizing an atmosphere that is unhealthy – depressions, posessiveness, abuse – and we do nothing, we are now in agreements. You can also be in agreement when you take on a thought, emotion, or spiritual pressure as your own.
An example: Feeling a wave of fear and think, “this must be me/mine”.
Authority, however, is about stewarding what you have been given, your right as a citizen of God’s kingdom. Luke 10:19 says, “Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, over all of thepower of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” So, take authority of these atmospheres. Jesus modeled this recognizing
- We partner with atmospheres through agreement (conscious or unconscious)
- Authority is not dominance—it’s stewardship
- Jesus modeled authority by:
- Recognizing atmospheres
- Speaking to them
- Shifting them through truth and love
Possible scripture references:
- Luke 10:19
- Romans 12:2
One of the most important principles in discerning spirits is understanding agreement. Spiritual influence gains strength where there is agreement—whether intentional or unconscious. This does not mean we are to blame for every atmosphere we encounter, but it does mean we have authority over what we partner with.
Jesus modeled this perfectly. He recognized spiritual climates, spoke truth into them, and shifted them without striving. Authority, in the Kingdom, is not about dominance but stewardship. As believers, we are invited to steward the environments we influence by aligning with truth, peace, and love.
Discerning Spirits is not about fear, but about stewardship and learning more about the spiritual atmosphere we inhabit.
Discernment is rarely formed in isolation. Often, clarity emerges in trusted conversations – spaces where we are allowed to listen, reflect, and realign without pressure or performance. When we slow down enough to notice what we are agreeing with, we also discover where God may be inviting us into greater freedom.
If you find yourself wanting a place to explore these questions more deeply, walking alongside someone who honors both spiritual discernment and grounded wisdom can be a meaningful next step. Coaching, at its best, is not about being told what to do – it is about creating space to hear more clearly what God is already saying.
Rhonda Lamoureux is an executive and spiritual coach who helps individuals discern alignment, steward influence, and lead from a grounded place of clarity. Book a free introductory session here:
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