8-17-09 Wisdom for the Trials

Wisdom for the Trials

James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

WISDOM:
American Heritage Dictionary – Understanding of what is right, true, or lasting; common sense or good judgment.
Greek word “sophia” – Practical wisdom, prudence, skill, comprehensive insight, a right application of knowledge, insight into the true nature of things.

As I pondered on God’s promise of wisdom, I thought there was an interesting contrast in our definition and the Greek definition of God’s word. We generally think of wisdom as intelligence, good judgment or the “wise old owl”. But God’s promise of wisdom is much richer than that, it is spiritual and the practical of how to apply His knowledge, power, and guidance and an “insight into the true nature of things”.

How often do you find yourself asking, “What in the world is going on with my life, with my family, with my job, etc,”? Most of us probably find ourselves asking those questions often especially when coupled with, “God, what in the world are you doing and how am I going to handle this?”

This promise is given freely as stated in James 1:5, but is preceded by James explaining that there will be various trials and a testing of our faith. God did not decide to put us into situations that we couldn’t handle, but where we would grow in perseverance and faith. This scripture tells us that if we lack wisdom (in our trials, etc.) we should ask of God and He will give liberally without mocking or judging. Now that is a very reassuring promise we can rest on!

Sometimes it is hard to ask for wisdom or think that you just might be able to apply wisdom in a given circumstance, but this is not based on intellect, but on God giving us His knowledge and insight into what is really going on in a situation or with another person. How refreshing that all we have to do is ask God to give us His wisdom and He will direct us generously.

So, how can we go about living in this promise?
• Know that all true wisdom has its source in
God alone
• Relax, God’s wisdom requires no formal education, but the proper application of knowledge which He will provide freely
• Wisdom is available, we just have to ask for it and seek it out in His word and in other godly and wise people around us
• Having a worshipful attitude will cause His wisdom to become ours as we allow Him to be the controlling influence in our lives, living in awe of who He is
• We must desire His wisdom and pray for it as King Solomon teaches, “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. For its profit is better than the profit of silver, and its gain than fine gold” (Prov 3:13-14)

I don’t know what trials you are facing today or where you could use some wisdom or insight into the true nature of things, but I do know that you can ask God to give you wisdom to handle and understand what He might be doing in and around you.

On the journey of persevering faith,
Jenny Loveland