Beyond Understanding

Daniel 8; Psalm 123; Proverbs 29:2-4

Humanity is amazing. The progress people have made in understanding the world and the principles that govern its cycles since the Enlightenment is astonishing. The rate at which technology advances is blindingly fast. We are constantly learning, and very little—almost nothing—seems to be beyond our understanding.

Until God speaks.

Thankfully, God usually speaks to us in words and concepts simple enough for us to hear, understand, and respond to. God now and then chooses to remind us, however, that He is God and we are not. And in those cases, He reveals to us truths that are beyond our understanding, even though they are revealed to us in our own languages.

After seeing a vision about the rise and fall of kingdoms, as well as the (temporary) desecration of Jerusalem and the temple, this was Daniel’s response:

I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for several days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding. – Daniel 8:27

Exhausted. Ill. Appalled. Daniel was overwhelmed. The vision was too much for him; it was beyond his understanding—yes, even Daniel could be overwhelmed by God’s revelation.

Father, Your work is beyond my understanding! I praise You for Your wisdom, Your understanding, Your guidance. Thank You that You are in control, even when I am nowhere close to being in control.

Anyone else feel overwhelmed by things God has revealed? What has God revealed that is beyond your understanding?