The Importance of Knowledge

Knowledge is a good thing.  I like knowing things like random trivia, how things are made, the stories behind songs, and the little known facts of historical events.

When it comes to Biblical knowledge, I like that too.  Now, of course, head knowledge isn't everything.  God designed us with minds to know and hearts to feel and souls that connect with Him through Christ.  Only such a perfect designer as He can create such a perfect balance!  Knowledge is great, though, because there are times when we must depend on it!

Psalm 57 was written while David was hiding out in a cave.  He was hiding because King Saul and crew were out to destroy him. In verse 4,  David may have been likening his enemies to lions, but it is possible that he actually was "in the midst of lions" inside of the cave.  And of course. outside the cave were "the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows".  David was surrounded on all sides.

But in the midst of his fear, he acknowledged the things he knew to be true.  Fear likely did not overtake him because he knew that the God to whom he was crying out "fulfills his purpose for me".  He knew that God would "send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness".  David made known his desire for God's glory to be shown with the sudden proclamation "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!  Let your glory be over all the earth!"  Because David knew the character of God, he was able to praise Him, even in those dire circumstances.  It is evident that David recognized the importance of God's glory over his own personal problems.

Like David in the cave, Paul and Silas worshiped God in a prison cell in Acts 16.  Despite being bound in chains for the cause of Christ, they sang hymns and prayed to Him.  In the midst of great discomfort and pain from beatings, these men relied on their knowledge of the Truth to sustain them during such a dark night.

Folks, it's no different for you and me.  Circumstances change.  Emotions change.  Relying on circumstances and emotions to guide our steps is like hopping on a bucking bronco.  We will be tossed around and beat up and eventually end up in a place we never thought we'd be.  But Truth is steadfast.  Jehovah-El Emeth, the Lord God of Truth, is steadfast.  Knowing the truth of His Word is a priceless gift.  Study it.  Know it.  Because sometimes, when we are surrounded by our own sorts of lions and bound by our own sorts of prison chains, we are unable to think straight.  We easily believe the lies that are swirling around in our heads.  Depending on our thoughts will lead us astray.  But when we know the truth of God's Word, we are able to defer to that, even when we don't "feel" like it. 

When I study the Word and trust its truths, when I get to know the character of God, I am then able to lean on that knowledge to lead me to my Father during times when my emotions would lead me elsewhere.  And I can tell you this: worry cannot thrive in the midst of praise.  Praising God doesn't make the circumstances go away, but it reminds us of who God is and of His covenant of faithfulness to us in Christ.

When you are worried, stressed or tempted, begin to think on the truth of who God is.  Speak scripture or sing (or speak) a song that declares the truth of God's character.  You may feel strange at first because your emotions may be trying to drag you elsewhere, but disciplining yourself to meditate on truth of God will remind you of His unfailing love, and will open your eyes to know that His glory is above all.  And that is a very good thing.