If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:5
In this new year, you may meet with health or illness, marriage or singleness, loneliness or companionship, work or unemployment, and political stability or national unrest. The contrasts are endless, and yet, life is like that. King Solomon spoke of the differing seasons of time (Ecclesiastes 3:3-8). In all of these circumstances, and any others you face, you will need to make decisions. How you decide will make a difference in the joy in your life and the steadfastness of your faith in the true God.
Rev. J. A. Motyer wrote that there is a way to steer a right and good path, to see what is of “stable worth, and what [is] a tinsel of disappointment and loss. Only by the wisdom God gives, a wisdom that makes us see Earth in the light of heaven, life in the light of eternal life, the flickering pattern of experience in the light of the steady reality of salvation. And wisdom is sought from God in the place of prayer.”
With this in mind, begin this new year aiming to spend time with God and His Word, where He will remind you of the things that really matter. The Lord will encourage you in times of disappointment and direct your thoughts to a level you have not known before. He gives wisdom generously to those who ask.
As you spend time in prayer, adore the Lord for who He is, confess any wrongs that you have committed, and express thankfulness for His many blessings. Then intercede on behalf of friends and others who are struggling, some of whom may have lost their way. Pray for people to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ so that there may be peace in this nation and the world. Ask the Lord to provide wisdom to the leaders who determine the next steps.
Today’s Verse: James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Proverbs 2:1-11
My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;
10 for wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11 discretion will watch over you,
understanding will guard you,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
