Understanding

Have you ever listened to someone speaking to you while you’re wondering, “What are they talking about?” That is happening to me more and more frequently these days. To my knowledge, it all started when we returned from living in Nepal for eight years. While we were gone so many things developed in American culture that we just never knew about. People would talk to us referencing these developments but we were clueless about them. Now, because of my advanced age and hearing difficulties, it seems that I am even further out of touch with our culture,and therefore, understand even less of what people are saying. I do my best to understand and be empathetic.

God has never had the problem I described above. I Chronicles 28:9 says, “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought.” God is able to search our hearts and minds. We cannot hide our thoughts, ideas, desires, plans, wishes, or attractions from Him. Not only does He know our inner workings, but He understands them all.

God gives us every blessing that we ever need, but He only requires two things from us, our whole heart and a willing mind. We cannot withhold a part of our heart, because that is not sincere love. We cannot keep a stubborn and rebellious mind because that is not true commitment. God hates a divided heart and a rebellious mind. But a fully committed mind and a heart of sincere love He will never turn away.