On Understanding God’s Word
Words are everywhere. We see them on billboards, at school, and at work. Words convey meaning, but only if the reader understands the words. Otherwise, those same words, which are meaningful to one person, are completely meaningless to someone else. This is true not only of written words, but spoken words as well.
Let’s assume that you speak English, and English only. You are going about your business when suddenly a man rushes in and starts yelling in Spanish. Are you going to have any clue what he is talking about? No. How could you? You will probably ignore the man and hope that someone makes him go away. The point here is that it doesn’t matter how loud he yells, how urgently he pleads, or how truthful his words are; the Spanish speaker will not be understood. That doesn’t mean that information or knowledge is not present; it means we don’t understand it in its current form.
The great thing about words is that we can make a conscious decision to increase our understanding. If you decide you want to be prepared for the next time someone rushes in speaking Spanish, you can start reading up on basic Spanish. Pretty soon you will move on to intermediate, then advanced. The more time you spend on it, the greater your understanding will be. What if you want to speed up the process? Well, what is the fastest way to learn a language? Immersion. Spend some time in Mexico where no one speaks English. Before you know it, you’ll understand more than you previously thought possible. By devoting your time, and being around others who understand, you can’t help but learn.
This same principle applies to the Word of God. Can we really make a conscious decision to increase our understanding? Yes. What’s the best way to learn? Immersion. Spending time in the Word daily is imperative. It’s not always easy, but just like a foreign language, if you devote your time, and spend time with others who understand, you can’t help but learn. As you seek, you will find understanding. God will bless your efforts as you spend time immersed in Him and His Word.
In our world of instant gratification, it’s easy to get frustrated and shout “Why can’t you just make me understand, God?” But no matter how loud that guy yells in Spanish, you aren’t going to understand him until you take the time to learn his language. God has already given us His truth and knowledge in the Word. When will we choose to start understanding?
Proverbs 2:3-5
“If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
