Proverbs 2:1-5 (NKJV) My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.
All too often I find myself impatient, offended even at my lack of understanding of God, His word and the happenings in the world. I get into conversations with others on a myriad of topics, and get frustrated with my and their understanding, rather lack of. I find myself asking God, “why don’t you just show me, teach me?! Clarify this and that for me, Lord!” When my requests go seemingly unanswered, further offense is taken and deeper frustration takes root.
However, this week, without giving me the understanding and knowledge I ask for, He enlightened me somewhat on the subject of understanding. Understanding, you see, is a precious commodity. More precious than silver, gold and precious jewels. It is a hidden treasure, far too valuable to just leave lying around, too valuable for a heart that is ill equipped to receive it and not fully cognizant of its infinite worth.
God etched the map to this treasure in His word and tucked it away into the very deepest reaches of His heart. You will not find it on the surface. You must search, press in. You must openly receive God’s word, pursue it with the deepest sense of focus. You must sincerely treasure His commands. You must be ever ready and attentively listening for this wisdom. You have to commit, down to the absolute depth of your heart, to understanding.
God does not, He will not give this precious treasure away flippantly. He waits for the truly committed, fully surrendered, humble heart to press in, never ceasing to pursue the heart of God. This heart is rewarded. To this heart He rains in a wealth of understanding that can be used for His purpose, His purpose alone.
Mike Sereg once said, “at the heart of every problem, is a problem with the heart.” So, the next time I’m struggling, frustrated, impatient and offended because I want to understand, “DESERVE” to understand, I will examine my heart. I will ask, why do I want to know? What will I do with this understanding? Is my desire for His purpose or mine? Have I pressed in as He expects? Obviously not, or I wouldn’t have to ask! Have a blessed weekend!
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
