Misunderstood

Confession: I hate being misunderstood.

My need to be understood has, at times, driven me to over-explain, blame others, and yes — even lie in self-defense (which isn’t being “understood” but falsely justified). Mostly, it has certainly driven others crazy! (Ask my husband!)

In the reading from Genesis (39:7-20) today, I find myself wondering,

Did Joseph try to explain to his master what really happened regarding Potiphar’s wife? Did he fight for his right to be understood? Justified?

Frankly, there are many times as I read the Bible when I’m left with more questions than tangible answers. (Is it just me who desires not only to be ‘understood’ but also to better ‘understand’?)

I believe that God’s Word is perfect — divinely inspired and complete — and so (though reluctantly sometimes) I trust that, where perhaps I’m left with questions, these stories lead me to a deeper faith in the mystery of God’s sovereignty.

As I’ve matured in my faith over the years, my need to be understood (and to understand) has, I think, lessened. And so, when I find myself ruminating on how to explain myself to another, I more frequently discover that I trust in God to justify me when I believe the motive of my heart to have been pure.

Jeanne Guyon (1648-1717) was a French woman who passionately loved Jesus from her youth until her death. And she suffered tremendously for her faith. Misunderstood, she was labeled a heretic and spent years in prison.

She wrote:

O, it is good to soar

These bolts and bars above,

To Him whose purpose I adore,

Whose providence I love;

And in Thy mighty will to find

The joy, the freedom, of the mind.

The need to be understood robs one of his or her peace and joy — creating needless torment and holding one’s mind captive.Jesus, our Savior, was Himself misunderstood time and time again. And still…

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth… (Is. 53:7)

Where do you, at times, feel misunderstood? How might you trust in God’s purposes above your own the next time you are fretful, desiring to justify yourself when it’s unnecessary?

Be anxious for nothing… And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ” (Phil. 4:6,8).