Lately I have been speaking a lot more Spanish. Honestly, I have been attempting more to speak Spanish.

And there is a phrase that has become so useful to me. That Spanish phrase is “No entiendo.” Which simply means “I don’t understand.” I usually combine it with “Perdon. Lo siento, pero no entiendo.” (I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.)

Whenever I say this, it helps me greatly with the person I am communicating with. They will usually slow down, say it again, and even say it in a way that is easier for me to understand.

I have found that when I just admit and tell them that I am not getting it, then it helps. And then we figure it out.

Also recently, I read the book of Psalms in the Bible. And in the super-long Psalm 119, I was struck by this frequent expression “Give Me Understanding.”

Psalm 119 verses 34, 73, 125, 144, and 169 all say “give me understanding.”

What a simple and clear and beautiful prayer!

Asking God to give us understanding is a healthy posture of faith and trust. Life can be confusing. We are often faced with situations in life that we don’t understand. Decision-making, conflict, opportunities, open-doors, and so on require some understanding. Looking to God to give us that understanding is the way to go. Following Jesus requires understanding, and God is ready to give it to us.

Psalm 119 models this for us five different times.

I want to encourage you to begin praying “Give Me Understanding” to God, and see how much that helps your faith and relationship with Jesus.