Clarity is the state or quality of being transparent and understandable, both visually and conceptually. According to Proverbs 4:7, wisdom is of utmost importance. However, more than the pursuit of wisdom alone is required. To attain clarity in any undertaking, it is crucial to simultaneously acquire a deep understanding of all aspects of the task, in addition to wisdom.
After reading the scripture in question, I began to contemplate its meaning. Upon reflection, I realized that wisdom and understanding are separate entities. However, possessing wisdom and understanding allows for a clearer understanding of any subject.
To achieve clarity, it is crucial to understand the difference between wisdom and understanding. Both are necessary to make sound judgments and decisions. Wisdom is the ability to discern between right and wrong or good and evil. It helps us make sense of confusing and perplexing areas of our lives. Understanding, on the other hand, focuses on how things work, operate, or function. It provides a concise explanation of the mechanics behind a particular concept or system.
Combining wisdom and understanding creates clarity, whereas operating them independently leads to confusion.
As Christians, we often face confusing situations that trouble us deeply. For instance, we may experience persistent adverse outcomes that must be clarified despite our faithful efforts. For example, we may be committed to paying our tithes and offerings yet end up in more debt than before we started. Or we may have felt an explicit confirmation from God that a particular person is our intended spouse, but now it seems like they were sent by the enemy to make our life miserable.
You have prayed and fasted for a job, and finally, you got it. However, you feel you are treated poorly on that job, like something stuck at the bottom of someone's shoe. Maybe you were advised to sow a monetary seed to achieve favor from God to save your home that's up for foreclosure, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to sustain it, and it was posted in the local daily for foreclosure.
It's hard to deny that, at this point, many of us might feel compelled to ask questions such as, "God, are you toying with me?" or "God, where do you fit into all of this?" Another joint statement from a Christian perspective might be, "God, please grant me clarity!"
In the book of Jeremiah chapter 29, God's prophet, Jeremiah, wrote a letter to the elders, priests, prophets, and all Israelites whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. In the letter, he explained that God had allowed this to happen and advised them to start building homes, planting gardens, getting married, seeking peace in the city, and praying to God that the city would have peace so they, too, could be at peace. Further, God declared through Jeremiah that they would dwell in that land for seventy years.
The Israelites must have been confused and wondered why God allowed a foreign nation, who did not even acknowledge Him, to remove them from the land He had given to them. They were now being ruled by a foreign king, adding to their confusion and sense of abandonment by God. They needed clarity, which they had not received until Jeremiah's letter. Although they knew they were captive in Babylon, they needed an understanding of their situation, which would produce the required clarity.
Jeremiah's letter brought about that understanding to complement the wisdom they already possessed and eventually gave clarity.
Dear readers, I want to speak to you about your wisdom. This wisdom is only a part of the whole picture, and it may have led you down a path of debt, a failing marriage, foreclosure on your home and business, and more. I understand that you may be feeling frustrated and ready to give up. However, it's vital to gain a deeper understanding of why you are going through these difficult times. These challenges are the result of a confused and distressed state. As a messenger of God, I am here to remind you that God is with you now more than ever, as stated in Psalms 46:1. You may be judging God foolishly based on your wisdom alone without taking into account the understanding that comes from Him, which can bring about clarity. I urge you to seek God's understanding and guidance during these trying times.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinth church, said, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect (complete or whole) comes, then that which is in part shall be done away with 1Corinthians 13:9-10. So, it is evident in this scripture that the confusion about our problem is due to us prematurely judging the entire situation based on parts of the whole that are presented to us.
Please! Before I proceed any further, ask God to forgive you for your misjudgment and the negative words you've said concerning your unclear situations. Now, ask him for the understanding needed to clarify your position.
In Jeremiah's letter, he prophesied that after completing the seventy years of captivity in Babylon, God would visit his people, perform his word towards them, and bring them back to their land. God also assured them that he had good thoughts for them, thoughts of peace and not evil and that he would give them a bright future. As a believer in Jesus Christ, this is excellent news because it means that, despite my current struggles, God has a plan for my life that will ultimately lead to peace, joy, and fulfilling my expectations in Him. I trust in Romans 8:28, which tells us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Therefore, what is happening to me is not happening to me but for my benefit. Praise be to the name of Jesus!
So, what is the reality of all of this? Well, the truth of all this is your crying, frustration, mood swings, fasting, praying, complaining, murmuring, and agreeing with others for God to bring change will not alter, delete, or change the pre-assigned time by God to your trouble. Know that this testing of your faith is producing patience. But only in completing that patience will you become complete or be restored, James 1: 3-4. God is the God of divine purpose, and for every purpose, there is a time and season. We usually classify the original intent of something or someone as its purpose, and only time and season can unveil what God has purposed in and for us.
Do not allow the size of your problem to frustrate you, but instead, ask God to reveal to you the understanding to bring clarity and peace of mind while you endure the time and season of that trouble that will conclude in good for you. "For we know that ALL things (good and bad) are working in harmony for our good Romans 8:28.
Heavenly Father, thank you again for this word that comforts your people. This is another piece of evidence that amplifies your sovereignty. I ask you now, in the name of your son Jesus Christ, to impart patience and understanding to the wisdom of your people to bring about clarity during their challenges. Finally, Father, I pray for peace that passes all understanding in the matchless and mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Written by: Kevin L. A Ewing
ewinglakevin@icloud.com
kevinlaewing.blogspot.com
www.kevinlaewing.com
