Pursuing Wisdom This Year
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you.” I heard these words read from James 1 this past weekend and thought, “It’s not that easy, right?” My pastor continued, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Ah yes. There it is. That’s what feels so impossible to overcome sometimes. The fear, worry, and anxiety that seems to listen to every prayer, every goal, and every attempt to better myself.
James continues later on to say, “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
Here he explains the doubt he’s referring to. It’s more than a thought, a fear, or a worry. it’s the blatant lack of action or intentional decision to do the opposite as God’s word suggests. We want to grow. We want to know God better. We want to get closer to him. We want the wisdom he offers. So how do we choose to listen to the Word in spite of all the thoughts pulling against us?
Well, here is where I find the most success.
Pray
In my opinion, prayer is one of the most underrated, underappreciated, and underutilized tools of Christians. It’s far too easy to fall under the temptation of “God knows what I want” or “He knows my heart.” It’s easier to say nothing. Prayer can be intimidating. And how do you get over the fear of praying and nothing happening?
Without writing another thousand words on prayer, here’s my answer to all of these: Do it anyway. God does know your heart. Pray anyway. Authentic prayers are awkward and weird. Pray anyway. You might pray and nothing happens. Pray anyway. Why? Because we don’t pray so God can know our heart, so we can impress people, or so God will do whatever we want. We pray because good communication draws us closer to those we love. We pray because expressing our frustration, gratitude, desire, and life experiences helps us share it all with God. Speaking these aloud helps us process, accept and grow. Because audible words can heal. “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” James 5:16
You cannot be too simple, “God, this year, I would like to see _________ happen in my life. Will you help me?” “God, I feel distant from you. Why? Will you reveal to me what’s happening? Will you help me get closer to you?”
Read God’s Word
Imagine that a family member or friend that you love didn’t have a phone so, they wrote you a letter. Telling you about what’s going on in their life, telling you they love you, and sharing their experiences recently. Instead of reading them, you spend time wondering, waiting, and asking to get closer to them, know them better, and hear what’s going on in their life.
My guess is that most of us spend more time asking questions than seeking answers. God tells us who He is. We don’t have to ask. He recorded scripture, so we could learn about Him. He wrote down answers to life, morality, provision, and healing. Many of the answers we seek await us on a bookshelf or on our coffee tables. Here is a reminder, read the Bible expectantly. As if it contains the answers to the questions you are asking and you’ll discover that it does.
Don’t Do It Alone
I have started hundreds of things that I haven’t finished. I’ve thought about starting millions of things. Similar to prayer, there is something about saying it aloud. When you share aloud your goals, it validates and reaffirms your commitment to yourself. It makes it real.
No matter what you want to do to draw closer to God this year, bring someone with you. I guarantee that someone you know has the same desire, but does not want to admit it. Invite someone to join you. Follow up and talk about it. Be honest if you have not kept up in your commitment so you can recommit to grow again. Failing ten times is worth success the eleventh time.
A great place to find Bible Devotions and even share them with others is the bible app. You know, the brown square that says, “HOLY BIBLE” on your home screen. Open it up pick a devotional and share it with your friends. If you’re not sure which one to start with here are a few suggestions:
One Psalm and One Proverb a day for a year:
ONE PSALM AND ONE PROVERB A DAY
A Bible in a Year:
THE BIBLE PROJECT 365 DAY DEVOTIONAL
If you’d like to read through a devotional with your family, here is a great option to read with your kids:
If you’re not sure who to read with, friend me on the app. I’d be happy to read along with you.
Here is my profile:
God Bless.
