Understanding

As we continue our journey through Psalm 119, we arrive today at the pe stanza.  Read this stanza (verses 129-136), look every synonym used for the Word of God and note what you learn about the Word in these verses.  Note also what the psalmist asks God for in this stanza.  Then there's one verse I want us to focus on today.

Let's turn our attention to verse 130....."the unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."  Isn't that a wonderful verse?  Are you as excited as I am that God's words give understanding???  Certain parts of the Psalm may resonate with you more than others.  I'm sure that's true for each of us, depending on the particular circumstances of our individual lives.  Some verses bring comfort and hope when we are feeling overwhelmed.  Some challenge us in areas where our obedience may be lacking.  This verse brings hope to those of us who sometimes feel that our brain has somehow been disconnected from the rest of us!!!  What hope and comfort, what joy there is in knowing that our God gives understanding to the simple!

Remember Satan's words to Eve in Genesis 3?  "Has God really said?"  He may be saying those same words to you.....about this passage or some other....."has God really said His words give understanding to the simple?"  And we have the joy of being able to answer that question with a resounding YES!!!!

Join me in digging in a little deeper here.  Use your concordance (remember these are available on-line at sites like http://www.blueletterbible.org/ if you don't have one handy) to search for the word "understanding".  Maybe check a word study dictionary for exactly what the original word used in this passage means.  Then look at the references listed in the concordance where the word is used and find others in the Old Testament who had "understanding".  If you need a hint, check out the story of Joseph.....or David (remember, we can't know for certain whether or not he is the author of this particular Psalm).  How about Solomon?  Or Daniel?

What about the New Testament?  Where is the word "understanding" used in the New Testament?  What examples can you find of people who had "understanding"?

What about you?  Think about that today.  And thank God today for this truth......that the unfolding of His words "gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."