How often have you found yourself wondering what to do in any given situation?
Maybe it’s parenting, or when you’re at work, or just trying to navigate all that life has to offer.
We read in James 1.5 that if we are lacking in wisdom we should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.
Great: so we’ve got some wisdom-from-above. This should help us make wise decisions, shrewd moves, and successful choices. Right?
I’m convinced that the wisdom that God gives generously to all without reproach is the first step in the process of being wise.
Yes, Scripture clearly says that if we ask for wisdom in faith it will be given, but what do we do with it? How do we learn to apply it? Is it just downloaded to our brains and off we go?
Some people won’t like this, but, Scripture also says that we are to think. Some may say ‘Well, I just pray about it’. That is good. Prayer is good. That’s not an incorrect statement to make, but it is a little incomplete.
We read in Scripture that we are to think over what is given to us (2 Timothy 2.7) and then, after the thinking, the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
What has been given to us, what are we thinking deeply about in order to best apply our prayer-given wisdom? The Word of God. The Word of God, useful for every possible situation we may find ourselves in (2 Timothy 3.16-17).
So then, a process emerges:
- Encounter something difficult
- Pray for wisdom (James 1.5)
- Search Scripture for similar circumstance (2 Timothy 3.16-17)
- Think over everything (2 Timothy 2.7a)
- Put it into action (2 Timothy 2.7b)
Today’s BIG prayer is the second step in this.
Father, I thank you that your Word teaches that Divine wisdom is available to me. As I am struggling to work through …… would you please help me to see this situation from your perspective, in the light of your revealed Word, and would you empower me to think over all of this so that I may know what to do.
I pray, and know, that whatever course of action you direct me to take will glorify you and be the best possible outcome for me, and even if I don’t see it initially I trust you to guide me with your wisdom.
James Travis 