In the early morning hours while most people sleep, I can be found prepping for a day’s work and taking a few moments to spend with the Lord. Its something I began prioritizing many years ago at the beginning. The beginning of my journey with Him. Today, time has leaped forward by an hour and even though the cobwebs are a little too firm, I wiped away the stickiness from the sleep and began to sit and read.
Comprehension is a big part of understanding. According to Merriam-Webster.com, understanding is a mental grasp, the power to comprehend, and sympathize. Yes, one word has levels of meaning depending on the usage of it in a sentence. This becomes all the more relevant as we learn of God and His ways. You can even apply this to the people in your realm of influence. Understanding what a person is doing, allows for a more graceful time.
Over the last few days, I’ve been getting a nudge to share some of the steps I use to pursue Him. I’m not a preacher by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have a message. Some times the message is redundant, and other times it is a bit of freshness that hits home. So with this in mind, I want to share one the secrets that has helped me, understanding.
One of the easiest things in beginning your pursuit, is to know that each verse can be interpreted to mean something different to each individual. The verse stands on its own and it stands as a line in the story it is telling. It is the Spirit that gives it new light and understanding. David, king of Israel, said, “thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119: 105 KJV).
Diving into this, lets take a quick read of the second chapter of Proverbs.
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2: 1-5 ESV).
To find the knowledge of God is revelation! He is the treasure in the field that we seek (Matthew 13: 44). This is one reason we attend Church, to gain a better understanding of who He is and our place in Him. It is understanding that allows growth for an individual. Just as a child learning the alphabet and their 123s, so it begins with us and we grow to learn that these single letters and numbers, when grouped together provide much more insight and enlightenment. The early morning steps from English and Math class now have a greater meaning!
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul (Proverbs 2: 6-10 ESV) …
Solomon tips his hand with these sentences. He gives us a greater look into what God has done for him and can do for you. Remember his prayer in the dreams of the night from II Chronicles 1: 8-10, Lord I ask for wisdom and knowledge to be a better ruler for your people. Now that is paraphrasing it, but the crux is there. In return, Solomon shares the same keys he gained. It is time we begin to use them and apply them in our lives. The benefits of understanding will help us see the righteousness, justice, equity, and the good paths. For then wisdom will enter your heart and your soul will receive satisfaction (Proverbs 2: 9-10).
Yes, to gain understanding is a simple quest. It is just asking the Lord for it. Maybe it will come to you in dreams, maybe it will come through classroom studies, maybe it will come through an audio bible. However, it comes, the important part is to find it. You won’t regret it. The treasures of it are laid out in the wonderful book of Proverbs. Seek Him.
Godspeed, The Journeyman
Ps. I’m not a person who is tied to one specific version of the bible. I believe it is best to read a level that you understand, along with a style that challenges you.
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