Wisdom
Tuesday, June 16
Wisdom
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds. James 1:2
The book of Proverbs is full of practical wisdom. It encourages you, for example, to be discerning about what you believe: ‘The gullible believe anything they’re told; the prudent sift and weigh every word’ (v.15, MSG). Ultimately wisdom is about how you relate to God and understand His hand (movement) in your life.
I’ve often read the verses from James 1, knowing that I’ve not truly welcomed trials in my life. But when we understand the connection between verse 2, which tells us that we should count it all joy when we encounter those trials, and we do what is said in verse 5 – “if we lack wisdom we can ask the Lord for it.”
Today I encourage you to ask for godly wisdom and perspective in trials, so that they’re not meaningless, and can truly help us towards maturity in our walk of faith and our relationship with him. I am committed to understanding Gods providence and how He moves so I do not miss out on an opportunity to show great faith. I don’t think receiving that wisdom always means that we have an explanation for all we suffer in life, but I do believe it helps us to trust the Lord as we go through those times and not be overcome by them. Perhaps, sometimes, it’s simply the assurance that ‘all things truly work together for good to those who love God’ as written in Romans 8.
God’s providence brings assurance. Knowing that things are not well but they can be. knowing that this mess can turn into something beautiful when placed in the hands of God. In the moment it can be hard to see the hand of God over your life when all you witness is let down. Do not be discouraged. Take a page from the book of Joseph and keep looking to God. Gods providence has got you covered. Everything that happens in this world is within the sphere of God’s working. ‘Providence’ means God’s foresight: the way he anticipates and prepares for the future. ‘Providence’ is the way God guides and steers human history – he is present and active in the world – sustaining it and ruling it.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, thank You that Your presence with me in trials can somehow transform them for my good and my growth. Help me to understand Your providence, receive Your wisdom, and look to You as I journey on to see things from Your perspective, and trust You in them. In Your name I pray. Amen.