Today’s Scripture: James 1:5, NIV- “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Making decisions is not easy for some of us. Sometimes we feel “safer” getting second and third opinions to make sure we are making the right decision. We do not always get great advice from other humans. Why don’t we simply ask God?
Since we have grown up with fast food, we want fast answers. Drive to the next window and pick up your answer. We can ask God and move forward; He will give us our answer and He will not mess up our order.
James 1:5 promises that God will grant us wisdom. God’s wisdom is different than the answers and opinions of the human level. James 2:23 tells us “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.” (NIV) Do we believe God and desire to be His friend?
Do you believe God will answer your question at the next window? Do we act as if we believe God and expect His answers? James 2:24 states “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” It is not enough to only ask and believe, we must do what God directs us to do. Is that the reason we do not ask? Are we afraid God is going to give us directions to do what we do not want to do?
Trepidation is normal to the human condition. Also, as James 3:2 assures us, “we all stumble in many ways.” (NIV) One reason we stumble is because we seek the understanding and opinions of other stumbling humans. James 3:15 warns us that “Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”
Demonic sources will never give Godly wisdom just as James 3:12 points out that a fig tree will never bear olives. We are assured that God’s wisdom “is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (NIV)
The fruits of God’s wisdom help us determine His answers to us. We can look around and assess our decisions as reflected in James 4:1-2, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” (NIV)
Therefore is it obvious if we are asking God or not. God does want us to ask Him. In fact James 4:5 states God is jealous and He desires the Spirit, His Spirit that He made to dwell in us to seek and ask Him. He does not want us to go anywhere else for guidance.
I have always loved the promise of James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (NKJV) Go ahead, draw near to God, and ask Him any questions you may have.
Today’s Prayer: God, I am asking You for wisdom. I am asking You to fill me with the desires of Your Spirit that dwells in me. Guard my heart and mind from seeking wisdom from any other sources. You LORD are my answer. I am thankful that when we humble ourselves before You, You do lift us up. I am humbly asking You now to have me live Your will by Your Spirit so that I produce Your fruits. I am drawing near to You now. Thank You for promising to draw near to us. Amen.
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