Understand: Grasping God's Heart and Ways

To understand is to perceive the meaning behind what we see – in God's Word, in His dealings with us and in the lives of others. True understanding begins with knowing Christ and grows as we apply our hearts to His truth.

The Understanding of Christ

On earth Jesus was recognised as having a spirit of wisdom and understanding (Isa 11:2; Lk 2:47). This was evidence of His true character; He was the Son of God come to earth. He truly understands our lives because He walked this earth, being tempted in every way, yet without sin (Heb 4:15-16). He came to serve, not to be served; He saw our plight and died in our place (Rom 5:8). Understanding His mission is the foundation of Christian compassion and concern for the disadvantaged.

Like my Saviour, am I motivated by love and goodwill?

Growing in Understanding

Throughout life apply your mind to analyse the facts, study to comprehend how things work, ask questions and learn from those who are well-informed in their fields, for we are urged, "Get wisdom and understanding", which are closely linked with knowledge, competency, good judgement and ability (Prov 2:2-11, 4:5,7, 23:23).

Many in Scripture sought understanding from God and received it. Solomon asked for "an understanding heart to judge Your people" above riches or long life (1 Kgs 3:9); Daniel testified that God "gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding" (Dan 2:21); and on the Emmaus road the disciples' hearts burned within them as the risen Christ explained the Scriptures, and their eyes were opened (Lk 24:27,31-32,45). Job discovered in his trial a far deeper understanding of God than hearsay had ever given him: "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You" (Job 42:5).

Endeavour to discern where your attitudes and lifestyle will lead. "Consider the path of your feet" is sound advice – evaluating past actions as well as projecting forward to future outcomes will help you to make wise choices in the present (Deut 32:29; Prov 4:26). We should also seek and be sensitive to divine direction, acknowledging Him in everything we do, for He will direct our steps as we entrust ourselves to Him (Prov 3:5-6). We are to put into practice what we have learned thus far; then we will gain more understanding, for growth is progressive. Building on what is already established and viewing situations from God's perspective, together with reflection, will protect us as we apply our heart to the issues of life (Ps 73:17; Prov 16:22; Mk 4:24; 2 Tim 2:7; Jas 1:22-25, 3:13).

"Lord, open my eyes that I may see" – Psalm 119:18

True understanding also extends inward: "Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there is any wicked way in me" (Ps 139:23-24). Inviting God to search us is the beginning of honest self-understanding, for He alone sees what is really within.

In our thinking we are to be mature, perceiving and understanding what God's will is, through the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 14:20; Eph 5:17; Col 1:9). "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you know the love that passes knowledge" and God's peace which transcends all understanding (Eph 1:18, 3:19; Phil 4:7). As pure wisdom and understanding come from God, it is important to know and live by the principles and commands of His Word, for by them we will be judged (Deut 18:18-19; Ps 111:10; Jn 12:48; Heb 4:12). Unless we are increasing in discernment and obedience to the Lord, we are neither growing in true knowledge nor maturing (Ps 119:104; 2 Pet 3:18). Indeed, "the entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple" (Ps 119:130), and meditating on His testimonies brings greater understanding than all our teachers (Ps 119:99-100).

Be warned, however, that knowledge alone is not understanding: "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (1 Cor 8:1-2); some are "ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim 3:7); and God has promised to bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent, for spiritual understanding cannot be attained by intellect alone (1 Cor 1:19-20; 3:18-20).

Paul said, "I want you to know that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel" (Phil 1:12). We need to grasp that all things work for our ultimate good; in the short term it may not appear to be the case (Rom 8:28). God's perspective sees the whole picture.

Faith, Obedience and the Limits of Understanding

The wise are those who endeavour to grasp the meaning of life, what is unfolding on the earth and what to do in the various times and seasons, and act accordingly (1 Chr 12:32; Dan 9:23, 10:12, 12:10; Mt 16:3). In contrast, a fool who is so wrapped up in their own world does not try to gain insight into the facts (Prov 18:2). A horse, lacking understanding or conscience, can only be governed by power or fear (Ps 32:9).

Try also to see things from the other person's point of view

More fundamentally, non-Christians cannot understand God or His ways (1 Cor 2:14). Those with limited knowledge and understanding should humbly receive instruction from those more mature, who must also be prepared to mentor these less experienced ones. Attitude and desire often determine the level of understanding (Mt 13:14-15; Acts 18:24-26).

We may not understand the reason behind God's instruction and commandments, yet we disobey them at our peril, because the Christian life is a walk of faith (Rom 1:17; 2 Cor 5:7). When we do not understand His dealings with us, we must trust His loving justice, as He chooses to keep some things hidden – things not ours to search out – for "His ways are past finding out" (Deut 29:29; Rom 11:33). Our responsibility is to obey God even when we don't see why we should. The Bible is clear: obedience pleases God more than sacrifice offered after disobedience (1 Sam 15:22-23). Do not be like those who "hear but do not perceive or understand"; be like those who "hear the Word and understand it, producing a good harvest" (Mt 13:23). "Whatever He says to you, do it" – then, like Job, you may be able to say "Even though He kill me yet I will trust Him" (Job 13:15; Jn 2:5).

Obedience does not require us to understand God's plan fully

Ultimately, understanding is found in a Person, not merely in principles: in Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3). If you have never come to know Him, the door is open – come to Him in faith today, and He will make Himself known to you.

Steps to Grow in Understanding

Growing in understanding begins with a daily habit rather than an occasional effort: set aside time in His Word each day, taking His promises at face value. As you read, keep a record of what He shows you – a verse noted and revisited will yield far more than a chapter skimmed once.

Growth also comes through humility in community: keep a teachable spirit when corrected, and test what you learn by living it out rather than merely agreeing with it. Where a passage still puzzles you, note it and return to it – light often accumulates line upon line as you keep walking with Him.

Reflection and Application

Which decision this week have I sized up by habit or opinion before asking what God sees in it?
Where am I collecting information without letting it change a single habit?
What question have I been avoiding because I suspect the answer will cost me something?
Who could read the same passage with me this month, so we can sharpen one another?