Proverbs 2:5 “then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God”
I found discerning what God was saying to me as a young Christian quite tricky at times. How could I separate out all the thoughts that run through my mind and understand what was me and what might be God? If you are anything like I was as a young Christian, you will have some moments where bizarre thoughts settle in you. I think we learn by experience, as we step out in faith, trusting in the guiding principles from God’s living Word.
Late one night I was sitting at the dinner table reading the newspaper and a half-page article on poverty in Africa was on one of the pages. I felt my conscience pinged, and to my shame, I skipped quickly past that page. But somehow the feeling of needing to read that page stayed with me, so I turned the pages back and read. There were no shortages of need, even where I lived, so I was not sure why this one issue was resonating. I asked God what this was about, and I sensed that He wanted me to give. I had a bit of a debate with God then. God never really entered the debate.
Eventually (this was around 10.30 pm) I agreed with God that I would give. I did not have much really – some small savings. I knew that if I waited till morning I would argue myself out of giving. So I wrote a cheque (remember those days), sealed it in an envelope and walked into town to the nearest post box and posted it. There, it was done. The sky did not fill with angels, and there was no “well done my beloved son” feeling. I walked home in the light rain and went to bed.
A few days later my landlord told me we had to move as she was selling the house. Initially, it seemed a massive and sudden change, but then we heard that a friend had just rented a beautiful 3 bedroomed house overlooking the sea and was looking for two other guys to share. We did the deal, and I started to pack. As I was packing I sensed God whisper to me, and I realised that the rent I was going to be paying at the new nicer house was nearly half of what I was currently paying, and the money I had given that night, was now returned 10 times over at least. I hit my knees and cried in gratitude, simply for God’s goodness towards me.
KNOWLEDGE
The outcome of our all-consuming, never-ending search starts to be unfolded here. There is an evergreen consistency in the first part of this scripture – revelation is entwined with the relationship. This word “fear” is a kit-bag needing unpacked. Inside we find relationships like a child to a father, we discover love, hope and faith, the triple braid cord, we see also a reverence like none other, a recognition of unbelievable power under control. Narnia’s Aslanis on the move! As we glimpse all this our hearts are stirred and our thoughts are stilled. Revelation is having its way, we are changing internally just by drawing close intentionally, the searcher has his reward in the search.
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
The word “understanding” appears 44 times in Proverbs, and 283 times in the ESV, from Genesis 11:7 through to Revelation 13:8. The original word is pronounced “biyn”. To understand is to ponder and carefully discern, and then to be able to help others gain the same. We come to see the true nature of things and have insight into the desires of God in our various situations of life.
WISDOM: what does your life’s kit bag contain today?
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: Consistency – your focus is on what works, and you want everyone to benefit as we do the right things.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version [you will give your full attention to, and have a great skill from your relationship with God, like a loving small child with its’ father. You will know and understand the covenant that has been established, and experience the power of the triune God working in and through you.]
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Please help me to stay close to you, to please your heart and to fulfil your purposes.
To chat to me as a professional coach/mentor – allan@theallankey.com
I so love feedback – please do scroll down and use a few moments to bless me?
Thank you Allan. I find myself always praying for wisdom knowledge and understanding. I believe that “understanding “ solves a lot of things. A clear understanding is so needed in our daily lives. If God had mentioned ( understanding) that many times in the scriptures, we truly need to desire it everyday, which will save us from a lot of issues with people.
There is security and peace when we take time to seek wisdom and understanding.
Sometimes the “understanding ” comes after the fact. The fact that I helped two strangers to find the location of the Hillsong Hills campus led me to where I am today. A born again Christian. It’s as if I’ve been given a second chance to life. Thanks Pastor Allan, for sharing your God moments.
The word understanding conjures up work, something that requires effort. To gain understanding we have to look for the answer somewhere, we need help . To understand something at work I have to ask my colleagues, to understand technology I have to ask someone that knows itcway better than I do. To gain understanding for my life who else would I ask but the one who knows my future and knows me inside out. It makes such perfect sense so why do I not crave it more or take it more seriously when God is there for the asking and delights in my questions. Thank Allan for bringing this to my thoughts this morning
I love the intimate relationship we have with our triune God as He gently leads and guides us consistently, day by day.
“we are changing internally just by drawing close intentionally.” What a beautiful and powerful revelation! It’s the intentional drawing close to the Lord that helps us to hear His voice and gain wisdom.
Thank you Pastor Allan!
That was awesome! Thankyou Allan
Trust is in my kit bag of life in this season for me .
When faced with challenges in life that shows no hope for breakthrough, God has always come through even in the impossible situations for me.
Still today no matter what challenges I face
I can completely put my trust in Him ,assured that he will turn around my situation,and know that he’s the one I can trust to be there for me when I really can’t find answers.
HIS LOVE is unconditional
HOPE in Him for answers
FAITH in Him for his nature .
I feel so blessed that I get to call him my “father”
Who I can fully trust always!
Thanks Pastor Allan for sharing how you have gained wisdom & understanding in your life’s experiences.
Intentionally welcoming Father God Jesus & the Holy Spirit into your day as soon as you wake up each morning is a great habit for me. To worship Him & sense His presence is with you as you go about your day is a great comfort as you seek to ask Him for wisdom & understanding in whatever may arise. I don’t know what may be ahead but know God is already there showing me the way whatever I may encounter & as a loving Father He wants the very best for me & if I will seek His guidance obey His voice & trust Him by faith it will always be a better than expected outcome.
I love the prayer.
I am in the midst of diverse family setting!
This prayer is so vital that I may stay close to Jesus, and to please the heart of God and fulfil His purposes.
Walking in continuel wisdom and understanding!
Thank you Allan.
I struggle with being able to discern my own thoughts and God’s words, wisdom and calling.
I would love to know how you navigated through this because I still find it challenging at times.
Hi Robyn – start with God’s word – ask yourself if what you think God is saying to you lines up with his word – is it about leading others to Him, does it require trust/faith/risk? If it is then that’s a great start. We don’t really need a telegram from Heaven when we already have a million love letters in the bible. We are to go into all the world, and make disciples, we are to intentionally help those who are in need of help – we are to visit the sick, the prisons, the poor, the marginalised and take good news and share our worldly goods. As we seek His kingdom first he says all these other things will be added to us……..
Thanks Allan, always so full of wisdom! I appreciate it !
“revelation is entwined with relationship“. So so good.
Wisdom and understanding two fundamental must haves inorder to walk in the spirit and not the flesh.
Brilliant word Pastor Allan !!
Wisdom and understanding two fundamental must haves inorder to walk in the spirit and not the flesh.
Brilliant word Pastor Allan !!
This was good. His provision and blessing at the right time. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. My kit has joy and peace at a time of uncertainty, understanding that trusting him in all things will bring the right outcome.
Thanks for this Ps Allan
Amen to that prayer! I love this thought: “revelation is entwined with relationship” – wow! Thanks Ps Allan.
I also agree with Robyn’s comment; would love to learn from you, how you discern your thoughts from God’s thoughts in your head…
Hi Michelle – start with God’s word – ask yourself if what you think God is saying to you lines up with his word – is it about leading others to Him, does it require trust/faith/risk? If it is then that’s a great start. We don’t really need a telegram from Heaven when we already have a million love letters in the bible. We are to go into all the world, and make disciples, we are to intentionally help those who are in need of help – we are to visit the sick, the prisons, the poor, the marginalised and take good news and share our worldly goods. As we seek His kingdom first he says all these other things will be added to us……..
HI Allan
Fear of God I think gets taken out of context most times, alot will see it as being scared of God. I see it as not to live in world or basically live in sin when God can not enter into it. He can turn a negative into a positive if you ask but can’t enter if your in sin.
I think having The Holy Spirit and being saved makes you more aware of the flesh rising which is a progress, that’s the fear of God in my eyes doing the wrong things. Paul wrote Roman 7:15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.
I also know the closer you get to God the more the enemy will try and derail your journey with you condemning yourself, which pulls you away from the word. God knows we all fall short of his glory and I Thank you Jesus for being our savour.
Thank you Allan. That reverential fear of Him is something that I am discovering more in my life at the moment. To see Him as a majestic God, to be in awe of who is He is so so important in my Christian journey.
Still find it quite tricky Allan 🤦🏻♀️ but at least with age I now trust and obey. HIS Grace even extended to come around again and redeem me when I have missed HIS prompting. So grateful.
Thank you for your beautiful servant heart in providing these studies.