Understanding the Times: Living Like the Sons of Issachar

Ever tried using an outdated map on a road trip? You’d end up circling the same block, wasting gas, and still feeling lost. That’s exactly how life feels without spiritual discernment. The Bible tells us about the Sons of Issachar, a tribe known not for their size or strength, but for their wisdom. They understood (discerned) the times and knew what Israel should do—a gift desperately needed in today’s noisy, distracted world.

In this post, we’ll unpack what it means to live like the Sons of Issachar and how believers can sharpen their spiritual radar to not just survive these times, but thrive in them.

1. DISCERNING the Times: Why Awareness Matters More Than Ever

The Sons of Issachar weren’t fortune tellers—they were spiritually tuned in. They recognized the pulse of the season and aligned with God’s will. In our age of 24/7 news, trends that vanish overnight, and moral confusion, discernment is not optional—it’s essential.

📖 Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Practical Tip: Start each day asking God for wisdom, not just knowledge. Wisdom interprets the “why” behind what’s happening, while knowledge just collects the “what.”

2. Filtering Noise from Truth

From TikTok soundbites to heated political debates, believers are drowning in voices. The Sons of Issachar didn’t just hear the noise—they discerned the signal.

Recent findings from the American Worldview Inventory 2022 (Cultural Research Center, Arizona Christian University) reveal that only 37% of U.S. pastors hold a biblical worldview. That’s a sobering reality—and it inevitably trickles down to how congregations perceive truth. This means believers must be even more intentional about testing everything against Scripture.

Practical Tip: Before sharing or reacting to news, measure it against God’s Word. Ask: Does this align with eternal truth, or is it just cultural chatter?

3. Boldness in Decision-Making

Understanding the times is useless without action. The Sons of Issachar didn’t just know—they did. They guided Israel through transitions because wisdom demands courage.

As Christine Caine puts it: “God doesn’t call us to comfort, He calls us to obedience.” That often means swimming against the current, whether in personal choices, workplace ethics, or cultural stances.

Practical Tip: When faced with hard decisions, pause and ask: Am I choosing convenience or obedience?

4. Guarding Against Spiritual Drift

The danger of not living like the Sons of Issachar is subtle: slow spiritual drift. Like a boat untied from the dock, the current of culture will take us places we never intended to go.

Hebrews 2:1 warns, “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

Practical Tip: Anchor yourself with consistent rhythms—daily prayer, fasting, Bible study. Spiritual discipline is the anchor that keeps us from drifting.

5. Becoming Watchmen for the Next Generation

Issachar’s gift wasn’t for themselves—it was for Israel. In the same way, believers today are called to guide families, churches, and even nations. Our discernment is a legacy issue.

Tony Evans once said, “God will hold you accountable for what you do with the truth you know.” That means our clarity today shapes the spiritual path of those who come after us.

Practical Tip: Mentor someone younger in the faith. Teach them how to recognize God’s hand in the midst of chaos.

6. Living Prophetically, Not Reactively

Most people live in reaction mode—scrolling, stressing, and responding to whatever the world throws at them. The Sons of Issachar lived differently. They weren’t swayed by trends; they were led by truth.

To live prophetically means to live with foresight rooted in God’s Word, not hindsight shaped by regret.

Practical Tip: Keep a spiritual journal where you record what God is showing you. Look back and see the patterns—He often gives clarity before the chaos unfolds.

7. Embracing Your Prophetic Calling

You are called to be a voice of hope and truth in a world that often feels chaotic. Embracing your prophetic calling means being attuned to God’s whispers and acting upon them. It’s about stepping into your identity as a child of God and recognizing the unique purpose He has for you.

Practical Tip: Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal your calling. Reflect on the prophetic words you’ve received and consider how they align with your current season.

Conclusion: Our Call to Be Sons and Daughters of Issachar

The Sons of Issachar were a small tribe, but their impact was massive because they chose discernment over distraction. In today’s climate, the call remains the same: understand the times, act with wisdom, and guide others toward God’s truth.

In a world that feels like it’s spinning faster every day, may we be the steady voices, rooted in the eternal, pointing others toward the way, the truth, and the life.

✨ Let’s not just watch history unfold—let’s step into it with wisdom, courage, and clarity.

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Reference:

Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. (2022). American Worldview Inventory 2022, Release #5: Biblical Worldview of Pastors. Glendale, AZ: Arizona Christian University. Retrieved from https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWVI2022_Release05_Digital.pdf