DIVINE UNDERSTANDING

SATURDAY 07 MAY 2022

The human mind comprises of the faculties of perception, which are helpful in observing, judging and determining things. However, divine understanding is a perception rooted in the desire for and consciousness of spiritual verities and its ever present behind the scenes in all we experience as Christians, because we were born to understand things. It helps us to apply divine perceptions and views to the circumstances we encounter in our lives. If we gaze deeply enough into the Word, we can see that the power of understanding it gives crafts our divine experiences on a regular basis and shapes our destiny in Christ.

Reference: Psalm 119:104 New International Version (NIV) "I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path."

The word, "Precepts" denotes the principles of divine insight which are found in the pages in the Word of God. Precepts instruct us in righteousness and it is the doctrine of the spiritual life, filled with resources of divine expertise. As a result of the impact, the Psalmist noted that he hates every wrong path. Hating "every wrong path" simply means to distaste and avoid every way of unrighteousness.

Every understanding gained from the Word is an intensely-empowered insight, completely saturated with divine realities and with clear ideas furnished with the mind of Christ. So today's Scripture is talking about the capacity of tapping into spiritual truths and sustaining an understanding that comes with it. Understanding is the hidden power of mind and spirit. It is the faculty that perceives and retains the things of the Spirit, which in turn conditions us to judge things accurately as well as choose good and hate evil. So the understanding that comes from the Word of God grants us the power of considering matters wisely and judging soberly.

Understanding is very paramount in our Christian walk because even God Himself moulds us into His purpose for our lives through our divine understanding. This is the reason the Scripture tells us in Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) that the beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. According to this Proverb, an understanding that comes from the Word has a great value to offer because it delivers all-encompassing solution.

By this, I mean that divine understanding profitably sustains the success of anyone belonging to the Kingdom of God, in any aspect of life. Just as it is profitable to know and properly understand the functions in your smartphone which aids easy use, it is equally an advantage to gain an accurate understanding of the Word concerning whatever you get involved in. A crucial understanding doesn't just enable us to give our best in any field of life, it also accelerates our progress and enables transformation in ways that meet the need of an ever-changing world, meaning that it allows us to impact the world in a positive way - with inspiring, appropriate and lasting results.

Most of the outcomes we experience in life are inspired from the inside-out, which suggests that they are being crafted or enabled by our understanding. Our actions and results are wholly based on our understanding. However divine understanding is far superior to human understanding. No wonder Proverbs 3:5 reads, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (NIV). But before we can be firmly consistent with divine understanding, we must develop a new thinking process or construct a thought pattern that lines up with the Word. In other words, our understanding must be upgraded by an insight into higher realities. But how can we achieve this?

The Scripture says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2 NIV). This implies that if you don't renew your mind with the Word of God, you can't gain an understanding that will strategically position you to discern God's will at different levels and function with heights of deep insight into divinity. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:29; Psalm 119;130; Proverbs 4:5; Colossians 2:2; 1 John 5:20.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, I'm thankful for the understanding that comes from your Word. By the empowerment of your Spirit, I testify that the eyes of my understanding is continually enlightened to know the hope to which you called me and to function in the riches of your glorious inheritance in Jesus' Name, Amen!