GOD, GIVE ME WISDOM!
“Get wisdom! Get understanding!” Proverbs 4:7
On January 1st I grabbed a Bible full of helpfulcomments plus my treasured journal and began to read a chapter of Proverbs,Psalms, and a small chunk of verses in the book of James each morning. But mygoal is to do more than simply read words, I want to think and process and gaininsight into how to apply these God-words to life.
What I’m seeking is WISDOM because I need it. We all do!
Here’s some reasons why:
I recently found myself listening to a discussion on “gender fluidity”. This is the in-vogue idea that you can float from male to female. Or be both. Beliefs that once were foundational to society are being held up for questioning and deconstruction.
We’re bombarded with messages that say do whatever you want, look out for #1 because no one else will--even if you have to lie or cheat or deceive someone who trusts you.
We frequently face decisions about our use of time—are we frazzled because we’ve taken on too much? What do we cut out? What is God’s best?
How do we know what beliefs to stand on? What response to take? What direction to go in?
God, give us wisdom!
Instead of absorbing ideas that are totally contrary to Scripture,we need to know and base our beliefs on what God says.
Proverbs 1: 1-7 makes it clear that wisdom begins with our view of God and of Scripture. “The fear of the Lord, (reverence, honor, and the desire to please Him) is the beginning of knowledge.” “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105
WHAT IS WISDOM?
It’s not being smart, educated, or savvy in how to succeed. Wisdom is:
Having the ability to discern what is best based on Scripture
Having the strength of character to act upon that knowledge
Applying knowledge in a life-changing way.
As a young Christian, long before I knew much about wisdom, I faced a direction-changing decision. Single and living in Nairobi, I applied for a job in Ethiopia. The interview went well and the job sounded exciting—but…. A red flag went up when I discovered I had to lie in order to get the required visa. Immature as I was, I knew that God was not directing me if I had to lie. That’s applying what you know—and choosing to honor God in your decision.
WHERE DO YOU NEED WISDOM TODAY?
As you look at situations in your life—maybe in your workplace, in your family dynamics, in your church community, in your friendships, even in how you’re speaking to others, where do you need WISDOM?
If you want God’s input and blessing take the Psalmist’s words to heart: Don't make decisions based on the views and input of those who reject or scorn your faith. Instead: read, think, and pray about what God says honors Him. Then choose to act on it. (Psalm 1)
Praying that God blesses you with wisdom and the strength of character to act on it!