Attempting to Understand
We think if we could just understand, everything would be better. But is this true?
There inevitably comes a moment when we will hit a wall.
Those we hit come in various forms and sizes but they have in common a message — one, obviously, no one wants to hear.
No matter how hard you try, you cannot go forward in the same way anymore. What got you here isn’t enough to take you forward.
It doesn’t mean things are hopeless.
That’s your ego talking to you.
And it doesn’t mean you double-down and blow up the wall — otherwise you haven’t hit the wall I’m talking about.
Now things must change. And the only change that is truly within our powers resides in us.
The first required change is always attitude — moving toward effectively requires a combination of humility and hope. Ultimately it comes down to whether we trust in God.
Nothing else.
No one else.
Anything less is a stubborn cop out.
So, what does this have to do with attempting to understand?
We think, especially when we have hit “the wall” that if we could just understand, everything would be better. The truth of the matter is this is a lie.
I will prove it to you.
Image you now understand why you have hit the wall. You are still where you are. You still have the problems you have, but now, of course you feel one-hundred percent better, because you “understand.” (Not).
So should you not try to understand?
Yes and no.
Certainly, learn from mistakes and correct them, but the deeper cloudy answers to theoretical questions about life, the universe, etc., are automatically beyond the scope of the human intellect – even with all the artificial intelligence support you or the world of men can muster. We are finite and our capacity to “understand” is finite as well.
So what is the alternative?
Trust, acceptance, peace, and joy because being able to completely understand anything and everything is not our problem. They are burdens that can and should be transferred to One with the capacity to handle them.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.