Day 127, Year 1

Asking God for Understanding (2)

“Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:169 NASB)

The word “cry” is rinnah in Hebrew, meaning “ringing cry,” especially in the sense of “cry in supplication, cry in joy, praise, or proclamation.” The word “understanding” is biyn in Hebrew, also meaning “discernment.” In other words, the psalmist was fervently asking the Lord to grant him understanding according to His Word. Indeed, this verse reminds us of three key elements in asking God for more understanding.

First, earnest supplication. This supplication is not just a verbal prayer, or even a loud prayer, but also a persistent imploration. Similarly, due to the calamities caused by our foolishness, we realize the usefulness of His understanding in our lives. Hence, we could cry out to God for more divine understanding.

Second, remove all obstacles that hinder God from hearing our prayers. Today’s verse goes, “Let my cry come before You.” This expression seems to suggest the psalmist did not have full confidence that his cry would reach the presence of God. This might imply that those who lack spiritual understanding might be hindered by sin, foolishness, curses on the land, or the work of evil spirits, which prevent God from hearing their prayers. Indeed, we should strive to remove our own sins, foolishness, and all obstacles to the submission to God, reversing all former obedience to idolized sinners in replacement of Him, as human sins and foolishness often take root in our lives due to others. When we consider certain sinners around us more important than God, it becomes difficult for Him to hear our prayers. In response to this verse, have you made efforts already to remove all the things in your life that hinder God from hearing your prayers?

Third, pray to God for more understanding according to His words and promises. Today’s verse points out two directions. On one hand, we need to ask God to grant us more understanding according to His promises. On the other hand, we need to learn from His words in order to gain understanding. The latter is going to be further explored tomorrow. Anyway, we need to treasure God’s words first so as to find the many precious promises within. Second, and more critically, we need to regard His words as more precious than our own lives, so that we can submit ourselves before Him, integrate His words into our lives, and extract their essence, thereby transforming ourselves by the unceasing flow of His understanding.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you truly think the understanding that comes from God is extremely vital for you? Why?

2) Are you willing to value God’s words more than your own life? Why?