Day 326.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5 ESV)
When I read this verse this morning one of my first thoughts was that all of us lacks wisdom at times in life. How often have you faced a crossroads in facing a decision and wanted more than anything wisdom, or how often have you faced some hard situation – maybe even despairing – and needed wisdom to get through it? (This is the context of the promise, by the way). Given that, this is such a great promise! Here we have access to God, who is the treasury of all knowledge and wisdom, the one sets the course of history and all we need do is ask in faith!
I have two teenage sons and they often times think they have arrived. Suddenly they aren’t interested in help from mom and dad anymore. They think, or at least act like, they know it all. They believe themselves so clever when it comes to matters at school with teachers, or conflicts in relationships. We watch them as parents and shake our heads and wonder why they don’t come to us for counsel. That’s one important reason we are here! They choose to walk in their own wisdom, which isn’t wisdom at all, instead. Of course, looking back I know that I was the same way as a teenager. But now I wonder how often I am like that toward God. How often do I choose to walk in light of my own wisdom rather than ask God? Really, am I any better at asking than a teenage son?
Lord, lead me to asking you for wisdom. Help me cultivate that as a common practice and give me faith to believe that are will indeed answer! I know you are eager to deliver on your promises but I still struggle with doubt that I will receive your wisdom. Help me overcome my unbelief.
