As one who believes in the power of prayer, I find myself often asking for wisdom when I pray alone or with and for others. Living life in this world, among society, and within our relationships today, Lord knows we need it!
So did His disciples, which is why James impresses upon us the highest and first source of wisdom:
1. The wisdom that is from above
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. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt… James 1:5-6 NIV
Imagine for a moment being one of the Twelve accompanying Jesus for three years of foot travel, crowds, miracles, and sacrifice. They spent a good part of that time bewildered, if not clueless.
It had to have taken Jesus grace upon grace to bear with these men who walked with Wisdom itself, yet found it difficult to comprehend how He thought, related with others, and made the choices He made.
I think James and the remaining disciples came to realize that Christ and His Father were not selfish. Nor were they heaven-bent on keeping them (or us) in the dark. It became simply a matter of asking and believing, without doubting.
James (who apparently desired wisdom for he spoke of it so much) tells us in chapter 3, verse 17 that the wisdom that is from above is first pure. Then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. This is pure Wisdom like Jesus had, born in us of the Holy Spirit.
2. The wisdom revealed in the Bible
Because scripture is God-breathed, it flows with wisdom – but none so much as the Book of Proverbs.
Do you want to see wisdom released into your daily living and human relationships?
Some have adopted a daily habit of reading one chapter per day each month.
However, habit takes a backseat when adding prayer for the spirit of wisdom to permeate your thinking.
Asking God for both wisdom (understanding, knowledge, insight, perception, good judgment ) and the spirit of wisdom (will, character, and fortitude ) to be set flowing in yourself and the lives of others brings our life responses into line with God’s Wisdom – His view of what is right and true, highest and best.
The things He wants to grow in our life to make us wise and useful for His Kingdom.
Fina Valentine says
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
In praying for others, we tend to neglect ourselves, and I believe we need a refill of God’s wisdom each time we pray for others. Thank you for reminding me of this.
Nancy Bentz says
So true, Fina. It is an ever-filling that God promises as we ask, seek, and knock. He will not deny our petition, but will fill it with an ever-increasing flow. Thank you for sharing. Nancy
Donna Kuhn says
Hi Nancy,
This is so good and practical. I’m making copies and taking this to the Wednesday morning Bible Study tomorrow. Nancy M. is leading it on “Apprehending God”
from A.W. Tozer’s “Pursuit of God.”
Thanks again for your beautiful writings.
Donna
Nancy Bentz says
Hello my dear friend! Thank you for your continued encouragement, Donna. I appreciate the extra step of sharing it with the Bible study gals (I do miss them!). Be blessed as you pursue and apprehend God. We have no higher calling! Hugs, Nanc
Erica says
Awesome article, Nancy! Next time I have computer access, I’ll have to share with my facebook friends. Love you, Erica
Nancy Bentz says
Thank you so much. Thank the inspired thought of Holy Spirit most of all. Appreciate your willing heart to share with your FB friends. Love, Nanc