‘Indeed, 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.’ (vv3–5) Proverbs 2:1–8

Understanding comes from God, and we are invited to go in search of it. Once we understand something, we are able to make sense of it, both for ourselves and others.

Peter declares, ‘But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect’ (1 Pet. 3:15).

To do this, we must take the time to understand our faith. This is why reading Scripture daily is essential, for within its pages we have God revealing the truth about Himself and His kingdom.

We may struggle at points, but there are materials to help us. These enable us to get a clearer and deeper understanding of our faith.

This is important for two reasons. First, it ensures that we develop our personal understanding of who God is and how we might live every day with Jesus practically and effectively. Second, we are able to share our faith with others and answer their questions intelligently and helpfully.

Building our understanding does take work, for it is a ‘hidden treasure’ only discovered by those with a hunger for God. Faith is indeed nurturing this hunger so that we might continuously be in search of a greater understanding of God in our life, and then how we might serve God effectively. We seek God to grow in our understanding and strengthen our faith for all that life throws at us.

SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Psa. 119:9–20; Neh. 8:1–8; Luke 24:36–49; Rom 10:14–21.

AN ACTION TO TAKE: Find a suitable resource to help you understand God’s Word. How confident are you in explaining your faith? 

A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, please open my eyes when reading Your Word so that I will grow in understanding. Amen.


Photo taken from Maxpixel.net

Micha Jazz is Director of Resources at Waverley Abbey, UK.