WISE CHILD
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)
God is able and willing to give us wisdom. The question is, are we ready to follow what He says? The Lord doesn't want any of His children to be confused or doubtful. He does want us to trust Him when we ask, and He provides. Worldly wisdom doesn't compare to the Lord's wisdom, and oftentimes we want worldly wisdom over His wisdom because it feels good and makes the most sense to us. Worldly wisdom allows us to be in control. But is worldly wisdom truly wise?
Because I prefer to have every answer and everything figured out, the process of getting there causes unnecessary anxiety and stress. If I'm not careful, I'll find myself depending on my own limited knowledge, understanding and wisdom and not God's. I can't see into the future, and oftentimes I struggle with wanting to do things my way. We live in a world where we're told to follow our hearts, although God tells us the heart is deceitful. Culture can be a huge influence in our decision-making and how we live, which is why it's crucial to always ask for God's wisdom. Godly wisdom allows us to see things from God's perspective and follow His guidance. It allows us to have peace and comfort knowing He hears us and has our best interests at heart. We recognize that God is in complete control when we ask for His wisdom.
The main way we can gain Godly wisdom is by saturating our minds with God's Word and understanding His teachings. We also develop Godly wisdom by walking with wise people. As the saying goes, you become who you spend time with. Walking with wise people will help you grow to be more like Christ each day.
APPLICATION: What area of your life do you need wisdom in today? As Scripture says, If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. But when you ask, trust that He will provide. When we doubt and waver, our hearts can be unsettled instead of anchored in Him.
PRAYER: Lord, You are a generous God, easy to give us whatever we need. I pray that You guide us in our decision-making and soften our hearts to follow You instead of our own wisdom. I pray for peace and clarity in any decisions we're facing. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?