WISDOM FOR "THOSE THINGS"

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

James 1:5-8 (VOICE)

5 If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking.

6 The key is that your request be anchored by your single-minded commitment to God. Those who depend only on their own judgment are like those lost on the seas, carried away by any wave or picked up by any wind. 7 Those adrift on their own wisdom shouldn’t assume the Lord will rescue them or bring them anything. 8 The splinter of divided loyalty shatters your compass and leaves you dizzy and confused.

Wisdom, as James understands it, is the ability to live life well and make good decisions. Wisdom doesn’t come from old age or hard knocks. Wisdom begins with knowing and depending absolutely on God, who is never stingy when it comes to wisdom for those who seek it. He supplies all the wisdom we need when we ask. But when we try to go it alone—without God—trouble is around the corner. (VOICE COMMENTARY)

I referred to this passage and its translation as I was counseling a friend who in the middle of a very confusing time in his life.  To say he has experienced a few hard knocks is an understatement.  But now all of that seasoned experience was creating more confusion than counsel; shattering his compass if you will.  

And often, at least for me,  some of my“experience” has selective amnesia. Sometimes my experience leads me down the wrong path for a second or umpteenth time.  

We forget that the hard knock and experienced gained is more about educating us on how “not to do” something again rather than offering a repeatable process.

Yet often when faced with difficult times and circumstances we will lean on our understanding and our “wisdom” rather than leaning on GOD for the “next step” or the “next choice”.  We forget that GOD is in the business of our good.  We forget that GOD is forever faithful.  We forget that this challenge is likely in place to “make us better"; to push us to dependence on GOD rather than to our reservoir of experience.

Scripture confirms this. 

Proverbs 3, Romans 8, Jeremiah 31, 1 Peter 1.

Sometime I think we are intimidated by GOD.  We think that our puny little problem is not worth His attention, intervention or instruction.  But James makes it clear GOD will not “blow us off”.  GOD welcomes the inquiries. GOD welcomes the TRUST.  GOD welcomes the FAITH!  In fact without it, GOD is NOT pleased.  

Translation: GOD is more grieved when we “go it alone” than “irritated" when we call upon Him for help!

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

You catch the last portion of that familiar verse?  

GOD REWARDS those who discount their experience and exercise faith.  

Want more validation?

Matthew 6:33

But put God’s kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all of those things will also be given to you.

What are those things you ask?

Answers to the seemingly impossible questions. That is one of THOSE THINGS.

Clarity for the cloudy.  That is one of THOSE THINGS.

Direction for the day.  That is one of THOSE THINGS.

You are getting my drift right?

So if you are struggling for an answer or which way to go today like my friend is, just GO BACK to James.

James 1:5 (VOICE)

5 If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need.

 

Simple enough?

Have a blessed weekend.

I love you all.

Freedom Church