“Help me understand” is one of my favorite sentences. It comes in handy in so many contexts. It is helpful in a coaching context right after asking, “What’s on your mind,” and the person begins telling his or her story. “Help me understand” invites clarity. It gently urges more details. It helps with why this is so meaningful to the individual.

“Help me understand” works wonders when confrontation is necessary. It keeps us from being jerks and provides space for the other person to explain himself or herself. I asked one of my daughter’s teachers this question one evening at Open House. She had assigned a book that makes Christians look like idiots. If you watch the news, we don’t need much help in this regard. But why assign such a pejorative book for course reading? 

She indicated what attention to detail the author used in describing the part of the world where the novel was set. I asked how she could be so careful with those details and so careless with the details of theology. I did not attack the teacher. I did not demand she cease and desist using the novel. I did suggest she might want to allow students to read another selection of her choosing instead. 

“Help me understand” proves its worth when someone is deeply irritated or completely angry. It drains away strong emotions by helping them find expression in something other than aggressive speech or physical violence. 

Looking at these verses today, we can see how this powerful sentence might help us pray. King David says, “he (God) helped me to understand.” When we are puzzled, conflicted, or angry, a healthy prayer might be something like this: Our Father, help me understand what is happening here. Help me see myself and this situation from your perspective. Give me wisdom in knowing what to do now and what to do next. Help me understand what is right, just, fair, kind, and compassionate. Help me understand your heart and mind, your will and ways in this moment. 

One other thing to see here: Courage and confidence flow from understanding. God’s presence and strength are with us when we seek his perspective and direction. 

It’s a new day and a new workweek. What aspects of your life lack clarity? How can you apply “Help me understand” to the issues before you?

—

I will ask God to help me understand.

—

Our Father, please help me understand the pain and problems of this day and this week. Please help me understand the clarity awaiting on the other side of confrontation. Please help me understand my best next steps in light of current reality. Amen.