One of the most loved Psalms, Psalm 139, declares that we are wonderfully and fearfully made. But what else does this Psalm tell us about our relationship with the Lord? How much does He know about us?
Many of us live a life where we feel that we will only see the Lord after we have been on this earth. But David saw it very differently.
In Psalm 139, David tells us how much and how deep the Lord is invested in our lives. Even when we experience the darkest days of our lives the Lord is there and present.
In Psalm 139:1, we read: “O LORD, you have searched me and known me!” it is worthwhile to read this verse again, and maybe again. I can truly say that it is only the Lord that truly knows me. Many times I am still learning about myself. But here in Psalm 139:1, David opens up this Psalm that the Lord has searched him and known him!
How valuable is it to be known by the Lord? What impact does it have on our day-to-day activities that the Lord of creations knows us? This verse does not say that the Lord knows about us, as in our workplace or at school. As a number, a student, or as an employee. No, we are known and understood.
Our deepest thoughts and desires are known by Him. Deeply known by Him. What love is this? How many in this world have such deep care for how we think and what we do?
Then David writes: “…you discern my thoughts from afar. (Psalm 139:2)” This is an amazing scripture on how deeply the Lord knows us. The word described to discern is also written as understood in the KJV.
One of the greatest desires people have is to be understood. To love someone means that you go out of your way to understand them. Many times we have a lot of pain because we feel misunderstood.
Here are 7 Ways We Can Let Our Loved Onse Feel Understood.
1. People feel understood when they are acknowledged for their feelings
People often feel misunderstood, even when those around them are trying their best to understand. It can be difficult to communicate what we’re feeling, and even harder to have those feelings validated. However, acknowledgement is a powerful tool that can help us to feel understood. When our feelings are acknowledged, we know that our experience is valid and that we are not alone. We can also start to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves. Acknowledgment allows us to see our feelings in a new light and to begin to work through them. By taking the time to acknowledge our feelings, we can start to move past them and towards a more positive future.
2. People feel understood when they can share their thoughts and feelings openly
When we feel connected to others, we experience a sense of belonging and acceptance. One of the best ways to forge these kinds of deep connections is to share our thoughts and feelings openly with one another. Whether we are discussing something that is generally considered taboo, such as our struggles with mental health, or simply sharing what is on our minds at any given time, having the freedom to be open and vulnerable allows us to feel true empathy and understanding from those around us. Furthermore, when we feel understood by the people in our lives, it gives us the space and support we need to truly be ourselves. And feeling understood can give us the courage and confidence to vocalize our opinions, come up with new ideas, or take steps toward achieving our goals. Overall, being able to share freely with others helps us feel deeply connected and allows us to live more wholehearted lives.
3. People feel understood when they are given time and space to express themselves
When we are feeling down, it can be helpful to talk to someone who will listen without judging or offering advice. Just having the chance to express ourselves and be heard can help us to feel better. But in order to really feel understood, we need more than just a listening ear. We also need time and space to explore our feelings. We may not always have the words to describe how we’re feeling, but over time, with patience and understanding, we can often find a way to communicate what is going on inside of us. When we feel truly understood, it can be a huge relief and pave the way for healing.
4. People feel understood when their loved ones make an effort to understand them
At the heart of any relationship is the need for mutual understanding. When we are close to someone, we long to feel seen and heard by them, and we want them to understand our thoughts and feelings. Often, however, this desire for empathy can go unfulfilled. Whether due to busy schedules or simple differences in perspective, it can be challenging to listen attentively and truly try to comprehend what another person is going through.
Yet when our loved ones make an effort to understand us despite these hurdles, they let us know that they care about us and truly value our time together. Whether it comes in the form of listening more intently or offering meaningful advice based on their own experiences, these small gestures communicate that we matter to them deeply. So regardless of the challenges that may stand in the way of feeling truly understood, we should always strive to make this a priority in our relationships – both as a gift to others and as an act of self-care. After all, nothing feels more liberating than having your loved ones get you completely!
5. People feel understood when they are comforted in their time of need
When we are in need, it can often feel as though no one understands our struggles or knows how to help us. However, there is something incredibly powerful about receiving a comforting hug or a supportive word during these times. These small acts of kindness reassure us that we are seen and heard, and that we are not alone in our journey through difficult times. When others offer us their compassion and understanding during trying times, it helps us to feel understood and comforted, filling our hearts with appreciation and gratitude. Whether it is a friend offering a comforting embrace or an online community offering kind words of support, knowing that we are not forgotten helps to make all the difference in the world. Ultimately, feeling understood is one of the greatest gifts that anyone can give us when we need it most. And in return, we find ourselves wanting to do the same for others when they reach out to us for support. So let’s continue to offer each other the warmth and comfort of understanding, lighting the way for each other as we journey through life together. This is the best give we can give others.
6. People feel understood when they have someone to lean on and trust.
There is nothing more important in life than having someone to rely on, someone you can trust without hesitation. Whether this is a best friend, a partner, or a parent, having that person in your corner can make all the difference when times get tough. When you feel totally and completely understood, it gives you the strength to face any challenge and to conquer any obstacle. And when others feel the same way about you, offering their own support and encouragement along the way, it becomes easy to believe that anything is possible. So no matter who you are or what you’re going through, remember that there is always someone out there who cares about you deeply and wants nothing more than to see you succeed. When you have someone in your life who never gives up on you, then no matter how far down you fall, you will always have the strength to pull yourself back up again. Because when someone truly believes in you, there’s nothing that can stand in your way.
7. People feel understood when allowed to share even the mundane details of their life without judgment or criticism
When it comes to relationships, people often feel happiest and most fulfilled when they feel truly understood by those around them. And one of the best ways to achieve this level of understanding is by being open and receptive to even the most routine aspects of a person’s life. Whether it’s sharing every detail of your busy workweek or simply talking about what you had for breakfast, consistently allowing others to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment or criticism can make them feel seen, heard, and valued. Such openness helps strengthen bonds of trust and intimacy between people, creating a space where each individual feels free to be themselves. So the next time you’re speaking with someone you care about, take the time to listen deeply–and let them know that no detail is too mundane for your attention. You’ll find that when someone feels truly listened to, they’re more likely to listen back in return!
Conclusion
Now imagine that if we as people know how to let others feel understood, how much more does the Lord know how to love us! He understands! He understands where we are coming from. He hears us deeper and in more profound ways than what we can hear and understand ourselves. Do we realize that He knows and understands us? Knowing this, how will this affect how we pray?
Today’s Prayer
O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
You know my every thought and truly care about me.
You want to understand me, even when I do not necessarily know
how it feels when someone truly wants to understand me.
You know where I am coming from even when no one around me does.
Help me to go out of my way to understand others
that they too could feel understood.
Amen.
