Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5

My mother made this whole journey of being a wife, mother, homemaker, and working woman look easy. But between you and me…. there is not one single easy aspect to it! I ask God every day for the wisdom (and the energy!!) to live well for him. While the above verse in James says that we must ask for wisdom, there is more to that request than what you see on the surface.

First, there must be an awareness of our need for wisdom. A confrontational email, the desire to know how to honor an elderly parent TODAY, the angst of teenage tears, the decisions regarding medical treatments…. all of these demand daily wisdom. Wisdom is not only a knowledge of what is true or right, but it is coupled with action with a view to results.

The book of Proverbs puts feet on the quest for wisdom. It tells us to listen and learn and get guidance in obtaining wisdom. We are to accept God’s teachings and store up his commands. We are to turn our ear to wisdom and apply it to our living. We are to be intent in our search for wisdom like we are searching for hidden treasure.

So I am seeking wisdom as I deal with life’s challenges. When confronted with a nasty email, I recall that Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out (Proverbs 17:14). When I consider my sweet parent, I remember that Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children (Proverbs 17:6)….so I take my children to visit their grandfather. In the midst of teenage angst, God whispers his Word in my ear: Pleasant words promote instruction (Proverbs 16:21). And as we contemplate medical treatments, we read: In a multitude of counselors there is safety (Prov. 24:6, KJV).

Lord, grant me wisdom today.

Jill Hardin