Devotion: Seeking Wisdom

 

“Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens.” ~Jimi Hendrix

I never turn down an offer of prayer. Even if I don’t have something pressing on my mind, my default is to ask for wisdom. James 1:5 speaks to God’s promise to give wisdom any time we ask for it. I love this assurance of provision since heaven knows I need wisdom.

Noble as a request for wisdom might sound, the truth is, I just want answers so I can handle it—whatever the it is that’s in front of me. I want to be deemed capable, reliable, the girl with the plan. My need for guidance is generally good, but when my focus is on me, I miss an opportunity to credit God. Biblical wisdom is about more than getting answers for ourselves: its primary aim is to bring glory to God.

“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3 NIV)

His guidance isn’t provided so I’ll know what to do to get where I want to go, it’s about bringing glory to his name.

I recently read James 3:17, and it hit me in a new way.

“Wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

The wise are:

Pure

Peace loving

Considerate

Submissive

Full of mercy

Full of good fruit

Impartial

Sincere

I suppose this falls into the be careful what you pray for category.  I hadn’t realized how my prayer for wisdom was actually a call for more submission, impartiality, and consideration. But I’m still glad I asked for it, even unknowingly. Living out a life of wisdom was never designed to highlight me handling things, but rather to highlight my need for a Savior. I’m more than okay with that.

The biblically wise admit they aren’t enough, but realize that in Christ they have more than enough to equip them to live bigger, bolder, and fuller lives.

When we embody biblical wisdom, we cease striving for self-sufficiency and let God’s love reign. This requires a willingness to elevate others rather than attempting to prove ourselves to the watching world, who probably aren’t watching anyway!

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So when you ask how you can pray for me, I’ll still ask for wisdom, but now it’s with the understanding that I’m asking for God to be glorified in my life, which is what I want more than anything else.

God, we’re so grateful for your guidance and for your willingness to give us wisdom anytime we need it. Help us to be still enough to listen and to follow your guidance all the way home, not just for the decisions right in front of us. Lead us into opportunities to be considerate, peace-loving, impartial, and sincere. Show us what a life of wisdom looks like and give us all we need to embody a life which brings glory to your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“He must become greater. I must become less.” (John 3:30 NIV)

Reach for More

Which attribute of wisdom do you hope to embrace more? Is it impartiality, submission, mercy, or something else? As you read through the list, ask God to show you which of the characteristics of biblical wisdom need to increase in your life. Journal your thoughts and rest in confidence, knowing he’s the most loving and trustworthy guide for your life.

Friends, let’s keep asking for wisdom in search of opportunities to love well and bring glory to his name. Please come back and leave a comment telling us about the traits of biblical wisdom you’re aiming for. We’d love to hear how God spoke to you this week on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore.

Melinda Mattson will follow any sign that leads to the promise of vintage décor and repurposed treasures. As a wife and mom to two dear daughters, her home is filled with equal measures of sugar and spice. She loves kindness and Jesus and is glad they’re meant to come as a package deal. She aims to embrace both with equal fervor. Melinda blogs at www.melindamattson.com.

Photograph © Pearl, used with permission