JUST BE 30-DAY CHALLENGE

Just Be Understanding – Day Thirteen

Webster says ‘Understanding’ means a state of cooperative or mutually tolerant relations between people; skill in dealing with or handling something; characterized by understanding, prompted by, based on, or demonstrating comprehension, intelligence, discernment or empathy

Synonyms: discerning, discretion, knowledge, interpretation, perception, awareness, intelligence, sense, insight; also, compassionate, considerate, empathetic, sympathetic, forgiving

GOD says in Proverbs 4:7, ‘Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding (NKJV).’ NIV says it this way: ‘The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.’

God places a large value on understanding. He says impactfully, ‘Get Understanding!’ In fact, it has such a high value that it is mentioned over 150 times in several versions of His Word. In Proverbs 3, there is a triple command with long-lasting benefits. We are reminded to trust in the Lord, to not lean on our own understanding and to acknowledge Him, and if we will pursue these three actions, He will make our paths straight, not allowing them to be windy and complicated, treacherous and chaotic.

Perception is everything, right? Having good judgment is who you want paving the path in front of you. Being discerning and making wise choices will never steer you wrong and it is the prudent friend who you turn to for delicate and sensitive advice. The attribute of understanding is an idiosyncrasy today, an eccentricity that isn’t on the dean’s list but it is on God’s list. Understanding hangs out on the streets and huddles for warmth in mess halls and conference rooms, wishing for camaraderie. Understanding, the discretionary friend, quietly seeks friendship with peculiarity, yearning for an emphatic but empathetic awareness with someone like-minded and considerate, someone who will go the distance on the straight path.

In Ephesians 1:8, the apostle Paul says,’ This superabundant grace is already powerfully working in us, releasing within us all forms of wisdom and practical understanding (TPT).’ Because of God’s grace, He has put within us these things that He has also commanded us emphatically to ‘get’, wisdom and understanding! But, what is practical? Webster says that ‘Practical’ means adapted or designed for actual use; useful; factual; efficient. So, then we are encouraged to get and use a comprehensive discernment (understanding) which has been released within us and is designed to be useful, factual, efficient, rational and sensible.

Finally, the ultimate exercise in understanding is found in James. James was the brother of Jesus so I imagine he had some insight that I might want to consider practical for everyday living and also wise. He says in James 1:22, ‘But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves (NKJV).’ Essentially, I must strive to get understanding no matter what the cost to obtain it and be it!

Day 13 Challenge: Deliberately pray for understanding today.