“Lord, help me know how to handle this!”

Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, I’m willing to bet you have prayed that same sentence. Parenting, above all things, has made me aware of just how much I need the gift of wisdom from the Lord.

The Gift of WISDOM

It isn’t just parenting that can leave us desperate for understanding and discernment, right? From choosing a job to sorting through difficult relationships, I’d venture to guess none of us makes it through the day without some sort of realization about how much we don’t know and grasp.

Observe

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. James 1:5 CSB

Needing wisdom doesn’t make us foolish — seeking wisdom from anyone except God does!

But what does this wisdom look like? What sort of wisdom are we to seek? James offers us a glimpse of the sort of godly wisdom we gain later in his letter:

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. James 3:17 CSB

The world’s wisdom is always rooted in self. “What works best for me?” “What will help me achieve my goals?” “What will make me look good?”

But the wisdom of God has a different foundation, His character.

Pure—without hidden motive or agenda
Peace-loving—considering the needs and interests of others
Gentle—not harsh or demeaning
Full of mercy and good fruits—evident by our actions and attitudes
Unwavering—doesn’t change according to circumstances or company
Without pretense—genuine and authentic

Imagine having those qualities present in your own decision-making. That, friends, is exactly what He is promising to give to us. And God doesn’t offer us some wisdom, God’s gift of wisdom for his children is given generously!

Reflect

Read over those two verses from James again. Are you inclined to make hasty decisions without slowing down to seek counsel from the Lord? I know I do! I think I know what the best way to proceed will be and I jump into action. And, if I’m honest, that usually doesn’t turn out so well for me.

Spend some time asking God to give you wisdom today, to show you the path He has for you. And remember—He is faithful to do what He says!

Respond

Lord, we don’t even know what we don’t know! Will you help us see that? Will you open our eyes to the desperate need we have for your wisdom? And as we seek you, we trust that you will indeed give us the wisdom from above. Not just give wisdom to us sparingly, but you will give to us generously! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Needing wisdom doesn't make us foolish, seeking it anywhere but God does. #lopsidedliving Share on X

**********

Recommended Resources

One of the best ways to seek the wisdom of God is to be deeply invested in the study of Scripture. Deeper Waters: Immersed in the Life-Change Truth of God’s Word by Denise J. Hughes is an excellent resource for all of us who long to know more about Christ and His Word. And I can’t mention studying the Bible without recommending you also get Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin. A practical tool outlining the WHY we study Scripture and HOW to dig deep.

Order DEEPER WATERS or WOMEN OF THE WORD {affiliate links}

Thank you for joining me as we choose SEEING THE GIFTS OF GOD IN EVERY DAY LIFE. If you miss any of the posts in this series you can find them indexed here. Also, if this idea of lopsided living appeals to you, be sure to join my FULL LIFE CLUB. Every month I send an email full of encouragement, inspiration, and practical ideas for living a full life even when you have a full calendar.

xoxo,

Teri Lynne