Being Misunderstood — Morning Devotions

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Transcript

No one feels comfortable or happy when they’re misunderstood. It can happen so quickly. A hasty word and we wonder, where did that come from? I didn’t deserve that. Being misunderstood can feel like standing in a crowded room when everyone’s talking, but no one’s really hearing you. It’s not just frustrating, it can be very lonely.

And yet it’s one of the most universal human experiences. We’ve all been there, and for many of us those moments can leave a mark, making us question our own voice and value. Or is it worth even speaking up at all? Misunderstandings will happen. They’re part of life, part of being human, and there’s not a lot you can do to prevent it.

People are complicated. Everyone is on a journey that’s very different to the one we’re on. How can we really understand what’s going on in their lives?

Well, we can’t. All we can do is try. Everyone has their own version of reality. Regardless of how you explain yourself to them. Others will be interpreting what you say through their own beliefs and thought patterns. So there are bound to be misunderstandings and differences. The goal is not to try and change their belief system, and good luck with that if you try, but to communicate respect for the differences between yours and theirs.

You can’t do anything about other people’s feelings. All you can do is control your own response, and that takes practise. Rifts, ruptures, and misunderstandings are inevitable in any relationship. What makes a relationship great is your ability to work through and recover from these conflicts. What we need to do is forgive and have a better understanding of each other. So some people won’t listen, they love to argue. Some have already made up their minds about you.

And others have an answer for everything.

Lasting peace can’t be found in the perception of others. Most days we’re just busy doing our own thing in this messy thing called life, and misunderstandings are a natural part of our humanity. I recently came across this great statement from the Christian author Warren W. Wiersbe, who said:

If you live to please people, misunderstandings will depress you. But if you live to please God, you can face misunderstandings with faith and courage.

And that has a note of hope and inspiration.

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If you live to please God, you will not succumb to the opinions of others. Lasting peace can’t be found in the perceptions of others. Sometimes when we walk our own path, those around us may not understand our own decisions or insights.

However, we must remember that our individual journeys are known to God, and He understands our motives, and He provides us with strength. Instead of seeking the approval of others. We can find confidence in God’s plan for our lives. It’s important for us to embrace our own unique path.

Trusting that God leads us on the way even when others may not fully comprehend or understand our choices, just be true to yourself and your own life with God because He knows the intention of your heart, and that’s what really matters. We must place our worth in Him and not what other people think, and then discern God’s voice and continue to follow where He leads.

The psalmist prayed a special prayer. We read this in Psalm 119. Stand up for me, Lord, and set me free. Keep me alive as you have promised. That’s verse 154. If others don’t approve, OK, but what matters most is, does God approve of you?

He is the Almighty Creator who knows everything about you. He searches your hearts. He forgives your sins because we all make mistakes. And when there’s been a misunderstanding in your life, remain calm and communicate the truth. Pray this prayer from Psalm 139.

Search me, O God, know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there’s any offensive way in me and lead me into the way everlasting.

And let me give you another great verse from the Bible that might help, it’s Proverbs 29:25.

If you are afraid of people, it will trap you. But if you trust in the Lord, He will keep you safe, and that includes being free of the fear of being misunderstood.

God never changes. His view never shifts, and His love is unwavering.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, I ask for wisdom when it comes to this matter of being misunderstood.

I ask that you help me not to take everything personally. I ask that you will help me see from the other person’s point of view, perhaps an angle that I cannot see. Not only do you see me and my heart, you also see that other person’s heart which I can’t do, and I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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