Nothing causes me more frustration than feeling misunderstood by those who are in close community with me. The problem isn’t always on their end. It’s mine. What happens when I can’t explain myself well enough to be understood in the first place? I’m frustrated at everything and everyone!
The other day I had this thought: There’s a stranger living in my house. It’s me.
Have you ever felt that way? A stranger to your own thoughts and intentions? Oh, just me then? 🙂
God Understands
Recently I woke up from a dream where a friend betrayed me because she didn’t understand what I was going through. It was hurtful, but I was thankful that it was just a dream. In that in-between state, the not-quite-awake-yet but not asleep state, I felt God whisper to my heart.
When nobody understands you, I do.
Perfectly.
You are not a mystery to me.
Your motives make sense to me.
I get you.
I typed it into my notes app immediately…then promptly forgot about it until later in the day when I was reading a devotional.
In Secrets of the Secret Place, I came upon this passage where Bob Sorge says that God never misunderstands us. Sorge writes that Jesus “was able to address the issues of [the disciples’] hearts with total accuracy and complete understanding.”
I can’t even tell you how reassuring it is to know that the God of the Universe – He gets me. When I don’t even understand my own motivations and decisions, He does. I’m not saying He approves of all of my choices, words, or deeds. But He does Understand me perfectly. I don’t have to make him see, feel, or experience what I am going through. He knows.
He will tenderly address the issues of my heart that need shoring up.
Understanding and Scripture
Here are a few scriptures that back this concept up.
1 Chronicles 28:9 says, “…for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought.”
Psalm 44:21 says, “…For he knows the secrets of the heart.”
1 Corinthians 8:3 says, “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.”
When it comes to understanding, we’re told not to trust ours anyway, but to lean into the Lord for His understanding. The only understanding we should be seeking is His.
“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6
You Are Understood
I hope this encourages you today. You might be misunderstood from time to time, and that’s perfectly OK. It’s in those times that we can lean into Jesus and thank Him for knowing us so completely that we don’t even have to exchange words. Rest in His company, knowing He gets you. Perfectly.
