At some point in our lives, we have said, “I don’t understand?” Either to someone or most assuredly now with the current events in the world. In my last post, I talked about wisdom and courage, but I want to talk about something closely related to wisdom, “understanding.”
UNDERSTANDING COMES FROM GOD
“Give me understanding [a teachable heart and the ability to learn], that I may keep Your law; And observe it with all my heart” (Ps. 119:34.)
Besides basic knowledge and Godly wisdom, understanding is another crucial key to living fearlessly. Wisdom and understanding are equally dependent on each other. While wisdom is the best use of the information you have and is given with clear direction and instruction, understanding will provide you with the discerning ability to link it all together for your best outcome. This kind of understanding is from the heart.
UNDERSTANDING “The spiritual ability to grasp the full meaning of the information you have obtained from wisdom.”
TRUST
The scripture “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5) is etched on my mind and in my heart! But this was not always so.
Trust is the third important key to getting understanding. This key is a challenge for me sometimes. Because I am a very analytical person, I like to fact-find. I like detail and feel more secure when I have all the details. But some time ago, God revealed this to me; He said, “I like to be in control, and that was the real reason behind my “analyzing.”
NOTE: Control = to be in charge.
My first reaction was, “Oh no, God!” Because I was thinking, “I do not like to be out in front of anything! I’m shy and not too fond of attention being drawn to me. I like being behind the scenes.” While these things are true, I didn’t see them as an “in control person.” But then, I began to recognize that in my mind, and most importantly, my heart, my real trust was in my perception of things.
NOTE: It’s beautiful when God reveals Truth to you about you; when you receive it, it always brings freedom. He does not want us to be ignorant about ourselves. (2 Tim. 2:7)
WHY SHOULD WE NOT RELY ON OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING? Because our insight is limited.
We know how to start and drive our car, but do we fully understand how and what makes it start or drive? No. We use our knowledge and experience to figure out the problem when something goes wrong. We fix it, but the same problem, after a while, arises again. We ask ourselves, now, what’s the problem? We recheck the car manual. But with this particular type of car (or your situation), we have to take it to someone specializing in that make and type of car. Someone who knows all the intricate parts of the vehicle. Who knows all the intricate parts of you?
“Happy is the person who finds wisdom. And happy is the person who gets understanding.” (Prov.3:13)
PERSPECTIVE
I DON’T UNDERSTAND! These used to be some of my vocabulary’s most constantly used words. The problem was I stopped at the “I.” This is why I was often frustrated, angry, disappointed, and confused about why my thoroughly researched information did not give me my expected outcome. Then I realized, by God’s Grace, I had a trusting God problem. I wasn’t seeking nor relying on Him or His understanding.
To LOVE God Is To TRUST God
Luke 10:27 says, “You must love The Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind.” I must also trust God with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind. Whereas the meaning of understanding and wisdom are closely intertwined, a complete understanding involves the heart and trust in God’s wisdom. Love and submission keep your heart open to Him.
Our limited understanding can easily lead us astray. We have to learn to shut off our minds and learn to rely on Him to guide us. He knows everything, the end from the beginning, and He will lead us in every decision. (Prov. 3:5) Just as the specialist with the car, God knows all the intricate details of everything about you (Ps. 139), every situation or circumstance.
DON’T WORRY…PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING!
“If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7)
Regardless of how uncertain you may feel because of distressing situations around you, you need not worry or be fearful. You can ask God to help you. Listen to Him. He will give you an understanding tailored just for you. And it will be a peace-filled understanding.
“The beginning of wisdom is: Get wisdom! And with all you have gotten, get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7) NLV
Thank you for taking this journey with me. And know that Jesus loves you! May God bless you and keep you safe.
Sincerely,
Jacqui
