What gives us understanding and discernment? Is it reading a ton of books or listening to several teachings?
If you are seeking understanding it is not wrong. In fact, it’s good! We all need the ability to judge well. That’s how we discern truth from error.
The Psalmist asked, “I am your servant; give me discernment, that I may understand your statutes.” (Psalm 119: 125)
- Servants of God still need discernment.
What is he asking for? Understanding and the ability to learn with a teachable heart. He wants to know God’s testimonies.
- Holy Spirit will help us; all we need to do is ask.
Why do we need understanding in reading God’s Word? “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119: 130) Yes, Lord, make things simple for us to understand.
If someone gives us a gift that is wrapped up, it needs to be unfolded before we can see what we’ve been given, or see what’s inside.
- God wants to unfold His Word so we can grab hold of the gift we have been given.
There are promises, encouragements, and exhortations that are written that God has given to us, to be unwrapped and unfolded and implemented into our lives. Corrections along the way come as we grow, too. We can’t disregard them either.
- Reading His Word opens our hearts. That’s where He desires to enter and reside.
- God is desiring to communicate and connect with His children.
His Word Brings Delight
We all certainly know that life brings troubles and distresses often; but there’s one place we can go, to receive delight.
“Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight.” (Psalm 119: 143)
- His Word revives us, it’s perfect.
(Shared from Psalm 119: 121-144)
A Word Brings Understanding
King Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. Isaiah goes to him and says, “Put your home in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” (Isaiah 38: 1)
How would you like to get that type of prophecy? So what does Hezekiah do? He goes to the place, where we should all go, to the place of prayer. He actually “Turned his face to the wall.” (Isaiah 38: 2) He deliberately postured himself to pray, as Daniel prayed daily, toward the temple wall.
I remember visiting Israel and seeing folks praying at the wall, what’s called The Wailing Wall. It was a beautiful sight.
Prophecy Turned Around Through Prayer
After Hezekiah gets his word of doom, God sends Isaiah back to him, before he even left for home, saying, “Go and tell Hezekiah, this is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says, “I’ve heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.” (Isaiah 38: 4-6)
Biblically, the number fifteen symbolizes, rest. Hezekiah was glad it would not be his eternal rest!
What does that say about our God?
- He has the final word.
- He has the ability to override anything even His own word.
- He hears the prayers of His people.
- Prayer can change an outcome.
- He comes to our aid.
On a personal note, when my Dad was in a coma years ago, he went into cardiac arrest, we were all praying for his recovery.
God gave me this scripture to encourage us that he would let him live, and he did. He came out of the coma, defied all natural odds and medical assessments, and we saw the hand of God move on him in many ways. He even took him to heaven and sent him back. Afterward, the cardiac doctor declared him to be a miracle man!
Hezekiah was given an extension on his life. He then testified, that, “My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens. I am troubled; O, Lord, come to my aid! You restored me to health and let me live.” (Isaiah 38: 14, 16)
- Simply put, prayer changes things.
We all have heard of testimonies of praying mothers and grandmothers that prayed until they saw the hand of God move.
- Don’t abort your prayers, until God delivers.
Like Hezekiah, may “There be peace and security in your lifetime.” (Isaiah 39: 8)
(Shared from Isaiah 38-39, Modified)
Help Me Discern Truth From Error
Paul instructs Timothy, “Some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits, things taught by demons.” (1 Timothy 4: 1)
- All truth is in God’s Word.
- All teaching should agree with the truth of His Word.
- God will never contradict His Word.
That’s why they were encouraged to “Train yourself to be Godly.” (1 Timothy 4: 8)
- We learn Godliness by digesting His Word and allowing Holy Spirit, our teacher, in our lives to change us.
His Word holds promises for “Both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4: 8)
(Shared from 1 Timothy 4, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
You can find all of the Unbroken Love series posts by clicking the button below.
