I loved these verses when I was young, maybe because the tradition I grew up in valued theological certainty. It was an era of arguing one’s case with evidence — both biblical and scientific — for the resurrection of Jesus, the existence of God, and God’s hand in creation. They were important matters then, and they still are today.

But I also learned that “now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Paul is speaking about life now on earth in comparison to eternity with God. He says that right now “where there is knowledge, it will pass away” (verse 8).

The writer of the proverb seems to get that. This side of heaven, some things don’t make sense, can’t be explained, and even may seem unfathomable. Have you ever considered your own mysteries?

Mine go like this:

There are three things too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: how God got this whole universe started, the way He works His will through history and nations, the way of a parent with a child, and whom He will bring into eternal communion.

What questions do you have for God? Do you know that He can handle them? And are you okay with not having everything figured out? Might God, in His love, keep some things fuzzy for us so we may live genuinely by faith?

Dear God, sometimes life doesn't make sense, and my questions are bigger than the answers you have provided. Help me live comfortably with mysteries in this earthly journey, and may I know your love as the one unshakable truth that is really worth knowing. Amen.

Go Deeper — Think about the mysteries in your life when you were six, sixteen, and now. Has God, in His wisdom and timing, answered any of them through revelation or experience?

Read Further — Here are ten common spiritual questions and their answers.



Tags: Proverbs Proverbs 30
Photo Credit: Joao Tzanno