The Apostle James gives us some of the absolute best words for navigating life as we follow Christ: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
James 1:5 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.5.NLT
Reflection
The words that come before this wonderful opportunity for the wisdom of God in our lives have to do with perseverance, endurance, living through a difficult situation, and finding a sense of joy and thankfulness to God, thanks for what is being established in our lives through his faithfulness:
- “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
- For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
- So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
James 1:2-4 NLT
The words that follow the request for wisdom have everything to do with maintaining our trust and confidence in God as we live with endurance and seek his wisdom regarding the things we are working through.
In other words, we aren’t to go “wisdom shopping”:
- “But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.
- Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
- Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
- Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.”
James 1:6-8 NLT
Encouragement
The truth of immediate access to God and his wisdom has proven itself time and time again in my life. I invite you to try the following:
- Come to a full stop when you are wrestling with an issue, relationship, or circumstance.
- Ask God for wisdom in the matter.
- Wait for God’s wisdom to come. It will.
- Avoid chasing wisdom for other sources.
- Keep your trust and focus on God.
Do this the moment you realize your need for God's wisdom. He will answer and provide it for you.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for God's wisdom being so available to us as we trust and follow you.
Thank you for reminding us to endure and persevere in life as we live for you.
Thank you for encouraging us to ask God for the wisdom we need.
Thank you for the reminder to avoid wisdom shopping.
Thank you for the admonition to keep our trust in God.
Thank you for giving us wisdom right when we need it.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell