Understand the Times

To navigate today’s chaos, we must understand the times like the sons of Issachar—discerning truth and knowing how to respond with wisdom.

“From the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.”—1 Chronicles 12:32 NASB

Men who were loyal to David gathered in southern Judah at Ziklag, a town Achish, king of Gath, gave him. They came from every tribe. Some were mighty warriors with exceptional battle skills; others were strong and swift. But the men of Issachar had a special gift: They “understood the times.”

They weren’t just aware of news reports, but they understood the true meaning of events—the background, what was important, and how to discern rumors from facts and the trivial from the essential.

These men also had “knowledge of what Israel should do.” They were able to provide practical advice and sift through all the opinions to focus on the best course of action. They were able to help David avoid danger and adopt the right strategies and tactics.

Today, the world is full of news and information, analyses and opinions, rumors and theories. How do we know what is true and what is false? What to believe and what to reject?

We can listen for people of God who truly have discernment and supernatural insight, who understand the times and know what to do. But we also need these gifts ourselves. We need to fill our minds with God’s Word and use it to check what we read and hear.

Be careful what you believe. Seek God’s help to understand the times. Pray for discernment, the leading of the Spirit, supernatural insight, and wisdom from God.

Reflection Question: In what ways are you seeking God’s wisdom to understand life?