SEEK TO UNDERSTAND GOD
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Matthew 25:29, ESV
Theme: The more you seek to understand God, the more He will give to you. Those who don’t seek God will lose the little they have.
UNDERSTANDING GOD IS HARD
The parable of the talents is about using whatever God gives us to honor Him and to multiply His good investment in us. In the darkest and most challenging times, God provides understanding. At times of birth, death, transition, tragedy, and struggle, we can hear echos of His voice if we listen. He never leaves us and always entrusts us with resources. God is always whispering truth and yet I often don’t understand. I think it is because I’m not always listening. So when I’m broken, grasping, or confused, I get quiet. I memorize Scripture. I write my thoughts and prayers down, and I seek God. The more I seek to understand God, the more He gives understanding.
LEARNING TO FUNCTION AMONG THE AILING
With aging grandparents and parents, many of us spend time visiting or caring for ailing loved ones. We don’t always know how to act or what is helpful. Experience teaches us this skill and so do friends and mentors who have walked before us. Justice has always been very important to me. I like to stand up for the little guy and beat down the bully. I am not afraid – even though I’m small, I’m brave. I can be aggressive, and sometimes... I take it too far. I’m learning to listen for God’s voice before raising a banner or taking up a cause. To be quiet, even if I have a good response, is often the better option. To allow myself to be misunderstood in pursuit of something more important – like mending fences and respecting the wishes of the deceased. Peace and humility, a quiet word, the ability to be dressed down and yet not complain - these have value. I’m not saying that those who are repeatedly abused should keep taking it. What I am saying is that when I find myself in a position of strength, sometimes it’s best not to use it. To appear less competent or caring than I am, is not the worst thing that could happen.
UNDERSTANDING GOD HAS GREAT VALUE
The more we seek to know God, the more He faithfully provides to us. What He gave us (talent, time, treasure, understanding, wisdom) was already His. Seeking God allows us to receive more from Him. When we waste, hide, or bury what He gives, that's our choice. If we choose to seek God, we can’t lose. The parable isn’t about our performance making us great. The parable is about seeking to please God and winning every time we trust Him with what is already His. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace,” (Numbers 6:24-26, ESV). I pray this borrowed prayer over my ailing grandparents, sick or angry kids, and parents. I pray it over myself as I sing it to them. The thing is, if we seek God’s blessing, His keeping, His face, and His peace – we will understand Him more, and we will find Him even in the most miserable circumstances.
Make It Personal: Maybe you, like me, have had a tough season. All is not lost. God is found in the most difficult circumstances and situations. How can you seek to understand God right now? I’m praying Numbers 6:24-26 over you today... pray with me.
Pray: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace,” (Numbers 6:24-26, ESV). Amen, friends. Amen.
Read: Psalm 119:33-48
Weekly Memory Verse: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:23, ESV