Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
5 “If you need wisdom – if you want to know what GOD wants you to do – ask HIM, and HE will gladly tell you. HE will not resent your asking. 6 But when you ask HIM, be sure that you really expect HIM to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 People like that should not expect to receive anything from the LORD. 8 They cannot make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.” ~ James 1:5-8
By “wisdom,” James is talking not only about knowledge but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to GOD, and HE will generously supply what we need. Christians do not have to grope around in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers. We can ask for GOD’s wisdom to guide our choices. Wisdom means “practical discernment.” It begins with respect for GOD, leads to right living, and results in increased ability to tell right from wrong. GOD is willing to give us this wisdom, but we will be unable to receive it if our goals are self-centered instead of GOD-centered. To learn GOD’s will, we need to read HIS Word and ask HIM to show us how to obey it. Then we must do what HE tells us.
We must believe not only in the existence of GOD but also in HIS loving care. This includes relying on GOD and expecting that HE will hear and answer when we pray. We must put away our critical attitude when we come to HIM. GOD does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request – and for that we should be thankful. We must have confidence that God will align our desires with HIS purposes. Jesus said: – “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22 – This verse is not a guarantee that we can get anything we want simply by asking Jesus and believing. GOD does not grant requests that would hurt us or others or that would violate HIS own nature or will. Jesus’ statement is not a blank check to be fulfilled just for the asking. Our requests must be in harmony with the principles of GOD’s Kingdom. The stronger our belief, the more likely our prayers will be in line with GOD’s will, and then GOD will be happy to grant them.
A doubtful mind is not completely convinced that GOD’s way is best. It treats GOD’s Word like any human advice and retains the option to disobey. It wavers between allegiance to subjective feelings, the world’s ideas, and GOD’s commands. If your faith is new, weak, or struggling, remember that you can trust GOD. Then be loyal to HIM. To stabilize your wavering or doubtful mind, commit yourself wholeheartedly to GOD. If you have ever seen the constant rolling of huge waves at sea, you know how restless they are – subject to the forces of wind, gravity, and tide. Doubt leaves a person as unsettled as the restless waves. If you want to stop being tossed about, rely on GOD to show you what is best for you. Ask HIM for wisdom, and trust that HE will give it to you. Then your decisions will be sure and solid.
LORD, I need wisdom. I know that YOU will supply what I need in abundance and that YOU will not leave me without hope. Guide my choices LORD so that the outcome of my decisions will be GOD-centered, not self-centered. Align my desires with YOUR purpose for my life; I want to be in harmony with the principles of YOUR Kingdom, Father. Take away all doubt so that I am not wavering between allegiance to YOU and YOUR will, and the world’s ideas. Stabilize my wavering mind so that I may commit wholeheartedly to YOU. I rely only on YOU, Father GOD, for what is best for me and my life.
Photo: Truckee (California)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
