222. Understanding
Psalm 119:130
The entrance of thy words giveth light;
it giveth understanding unto the simple.
The Lord promises light from the Word; the parallel line in this verse shows that the metaphor “light” means understanding. The simple are on the same footing as the smart; the poor equal to the rich. All people equally are able to receive light and understanding from the Word of God. Anyone and everyone can understand the love of God, even the illiterate, the handicapped, the insane and babies can understand; perhaps simple, inarticulate non-adults can even understand better than complex, educated adults.
The Gospel gives light and understanding by the power of the Holy Spirit, not by the power of reason or emotion or any human capability. This is “the entrance of the Word. The promise is that when the Spirit enters the person through the Gospel light and understanding follows.
When we allow the Word to enter our inner being wonderful things happen, understanding being one of them. We understand the deepest and most complex truth in the universe: the Love of God. This remarkable gift is truly amazing. The person who understands the love of God is truly blessed; and this very fact is a promise from God.