Ask God for Wisdom

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8, NIV)

Webster defines wisdom as "the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; insight; good sense; judgment." It denotes the capacity to understand something and to act upon that understanding. Paul urged: "Look carefully, the, how you walk, not as unwise but as wise" (Ephesians 5:15). The Psalmist declares "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10) and this declaration is reiterated in Proverbs 1:7. And again in Proverbs 8 wisdom is valued highly. God acted in wisdom in creation and wisdom is a gift He wants to bestow on His creation made in His image: "For wisdom is more precious that rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." (Proverbs 8:11).

James got right to the point. "If you lack wisdom...ask God...and it will be given." But the asking has requirements: "ask, believing that you will receive." Wisdom is a gift from God as seen in Ephesians 1:17-18. Human wisdom based on our experience is not alone sufficient to meet life's storms. Wisdom provides the necessary discernment to weather the storms. And when we ask God, believing, we will receive the wisdom (discernment and judgment) we need. Wisdom also differs from knowledge. We can gain much knowledge, accumulate it from various fields of learning as we study and seek. Wisdom, on the other hand, helps us do the right thing as we face moral dilemmas and deal with other challenges of life. James further describes God's wisdom in 3:17: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere" (NIV) God promises the wisdom we need to face the dilemmas and decisions that come our way. How is my praying for wisdom? Do I seek God's guidance in the decisions and affairs of life? Am I troubled and undecided? Simply pray for wisdom, believing. God wants to grant us the gift of wisdom and He stands ready to pour it out on humble hearts that seek discernment. We don't need to be storm-tossed and double-minded in life. God's wisdom can give us instead a solid anchor and a clear mind, one imbued with His wisdom.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Sunday, October 10, 2010