In an age when everything can be looked up on a screen in seconds, we often feel as if we know a lot about life, even about faith. However, the more information we have, the more we realize that knowledge alone cannot answer our deepest insecurities. We can know that God is good, but still doubt Him when life feels dark. We can know God's word, but not always be able to rely on it when the storm comes. There is a gulf between "knowing" and "understanding", and that is where Psalm 119:65 & 77 speaks so powerfully.

The Psalmist expresses, "You have been good to Your servant" (v. 65). It was not a memorized theory, but rather a conclusion born from a long process with God. Even when he once strayed, he found that the bitter experience brought him back to God's wisdom. Therefore he pleaded, "Teach me knowledge and right judgment" (v. 66). The word “teach” here is not just giving information, but forming sensitivity in interpreting life. God's word becomes the place where he feels at peace, which is a stable inner condition because the heart rests on God. Thus, the experience of being with God transcends the boundaries of knowledge into an inner understanding that enlivens. In order to show a contrast to the previous statement, the fool is described as having a heart that is “covered with fat” (v. 70). Hardened hearts are insensitive to the word, lack compassion for others, and refuse to understand God's intentions. They may know a lot, but their hearts are untouched. Like someone who is rich in information but poor in transformation.

The Psalmist then looked to the Creator, "Your hands have made me and shaped me, give me understanding" (v. 73). He realized that his life was the work of God's hands, and only God could explain the meaning of life. A person goes astray when he thinks he can find meaning outside of God. As a creation, it is only in the heart and will of the Creator that we can find the true meaning of existence.

Friends of the Bible, let us examine ourselves. Do we simply know about God? Or do we really want to understand His heart? Knowledge and understanding of God comes from relationship, from trust, from obedience tested by suffering, and from daily encounter with His word. It shapes the character of a believer: we become more sensitive, more loving, and more steadfast in faith. Knowledge without understanding would just be empty information. But with understanding from God, we will find true peace, even in the midst of a life we don't always understand.