Scripture Study - Understanding

 

1/15-16/24 – Understanding

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: … (1 Kings 3:9) And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. (1 Kings 4:29) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; … (Eph. 1:17-18) But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. (Job 32:8) And unto man he said, Behold, the fear (reverence) of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. (Job 28:28) … he that keepeth understanding shall find good. (Prov. 19:8) Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. … (Mosiah 12:27) … howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (1 Cor. 14:20)

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, … Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. (Deut. 4:5-6) Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. (Luke 24:45) For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding. (2 Nephi 31:3) … we also, … do not cease to pray for you and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (Col. 1:9) … and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. (2 Tim. 2:7) And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God … (D&C 88:11-12)

By the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God – (D&C 76:12) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7) … yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. (Alma 17:2) And they shall give heed to that which is written, … and they shall pray always that I may unfold the same to their understanding. (D&C 32:4) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of Christ, who is of God, even the Father. (Col. 2:2) And their (those who reverence God) wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; … (D&C 76:9)

Insights: God provides light and then understanding. Light is truth and understanding is knowing what to do with that truth. This is something we need to pray for and work for. Just as you wouldn’t give a slothful person your greatest treasure to take care of, the Lord isn’t going to give you His treasure, or light, unless you show that you want it and are willing to do what it takes to get it and move forward with it. We do this by getting to know Him through prayer and studying His words in scripture. By learning more about Him, we find what it is He desires for and of us. By keeping His commandments, we prove our ability to take His light and understanding and be “profitable servants” for Him. It is with the increasing light and understanding that we are able to find comfort and peace even amidst the onslaught of the challenges of this life. Having the understanding of the Lord’s light anchors us to a sure shore even as the winds and waves toss us about – allowing our minds and hearts a measure of assurance and peace. What a wonderful blessing to seek for!