True understanding

A few weeks ago an ITV drama told the story of Major Charles Ingram, who was convicted for cheating on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? The drama was based on a stage show, during which the interval comes in between the case for the prosecution and the case for the defense. Each night at the stage show a poll is taken in the interval and at the end. In the interval the vast majority of the audience find Ingram guilty. By the end of the show, the audience has swung, with many not sure if he is guilty or not. I certainly felt that as I watched the drama unfold on TV. Perhaps a trial in Scotland would have returned a verdict of 'not proven.'

Judging someone else is so difficult. We don't know all the facts. We don't know what is going on inside of their minds. We can't see the full picture.

If we are honest, we don't actually know ourselves completely.

The prophet Jeremiah speaks into that truth.

The heart is deceitful above all thingsand beyond cure.Who can understand it?I the Lord search the heartand examine the mind,to reward each person according to their conduct,according to what their deeds deserve.Jeremiah 17:9-10

The words of v9 resonate with our lives.

So we must take v10 to heart - God searches our hearts. He knows us completely. He understands us, and he enables us to understand ourselves.

He rewards us - according to our deeds, and ultimately judges us, according to how we have responded to his word.

Are you seeking understanding through God today?