Get Understanding

“Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”—2 Timothy 2:7 ESV

Paul told Timothy that if he wanted “understanding in everything,” he needed to do something. It wasn’t enough just to listen to the words he heard or know what Paul said. Timothy needed to go a step further. He needed to “think over” these words.

Paul used a Greek word meaning to exercise the mind. He was recommending a course of action that required thought. He was giving Timothy a challenge. If he wanted to understand, he had to put in extra effort. This involved absorbing the words he heard and read, mulling them over in his mind, pondering what they meant, studying, and praying.

The result of this activity would be “understanding.” The Greek word used suggested putting pieces together like a puzzle. Only when all the pieces were in place would he understand. This understanding was not just in some things but “in everything.”

The same promises are true for us. The process begins when we read and know God’s Word. But if we want a deeper understanding, we need to dig, study, and seek God. As we apply this extra effort, we may discover that the pieces fit together in new ways as God blesses us with new insights.

Today, realize that there are truths buried in the Bible. Don’t be content with a quick reading or a surface understanding. Think over each word. Ask God for discernment. Ponder. Study. Pray. Dig.

Reflection Question: How do you dig deeper into God’s Word instead of just skimming it?