If you are like me most of the disputes in which we are involved occur because of misunderstandings. Sometimes we mistakenly misspeak and before we have an opportunity to rectify it, it has been taken negatively by another and we are off to the races. I can think of some really big disappointments that began with great intentions. However, because we cannot read minds we allow our feelings to be hurt and our response isn’t very positive. We think we have been slighted when it was the last thing the other person wanted. Failed attempts at humor are a major source of hurt. As a teacher I am most guilty of this. I joke with students only to see tears well up in their eyes. Then I am crushed.
I have always loved Hebrews 4:12. God “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” There is no chance for misunderstandings with God. He knows. Just as it is impossible for us not to be understood, it is also impossible for us to lie to Him. We shouldn’t tell Him we love Him when we are genuinely angry at Him. Well, maybe we should. Allow me to take that back. We can love someone and simultaneously be angry at them. Parents and children experience this multiple times and He did instruct us to call him “Father.”
Most of the time I am comforted by the idea that He totally understands me. Often we have feelings that are very difficult to articulate and while it might be useful to do so, we don’t have to. He knows. He knows the intents of our hearts.
Written by Roger Bothwell on May 28, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org