Gaining Understanding

Throughout our lives, all of us need to understand the situations we face. To have discernment about conditions in the world. To have the right attitude and perspective. And, we need to understand what to do. What to think. How to act.

The Bible reminds us of the children of Issachar, who “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). This is the kind of understanding all of us need, in every situation.

But, how do we get this understanding? The Bible says that an important key is to obey God’s commandments. The Hebrew word here translated “understanding” suggests a process that results in practical wisdom. It means working through complex situations, which help us draw the right conclusions, with God’s guidance.

How are you responding to your challenges? Are there problems that seem impossible to overcome? Do you need help in making decisions? Do you face complex situations and don’t seem to know what to do? Do you need to know the practical approaches to issues you face? Do you need to know how to act wisely?

If you have any of these needs, God has a wonderful promise for you: If you apply His promises in your life, He promises to give you understanding. But you cannot receive all His understanding if you make just a partial commitment—if your life is filled with compromise or doubt.

Today, seek to be aggressive in trusting God and doing things His way. Don’t just read the Bible casually but make it the standard of your life. Make it a habit to obey God in every situation, and not conform to the ways of the world.

As you obey God, and His promises, have confidence that He will give you understanding.