Daily Devotional

If I were to ask you, “Could you use some more wisdom today?”, what would you say? It sounds like a silly question, because I don’t think anyone would say, “No…I’m good.” All of us could use more wisdom. We need wisdom in dating, communication, marriage, parenting, finances and conflict. We make decisions every day. And God will give us wisdom if we ask Him for it.

James 1:5 "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

That word “if” always gets me because it’s not a matter of “if” I lack wisdom, because I do. So I like to use the word “since”...“since you lack wisdom.” And James does not give any exceptions to this statement. It doesn’t matter if you are a new believer or a mature believer, you always need wisdom to go through the challenges of life. This is personal, so make it personal.

In my quiet time today I was reading about the extent of Solomon’s wisdom in 1 Kings 4:20-34. After David made his son Solomon King of Israel, God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5). And Solomon responded, “So, give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” God responded “Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days.” (1 Kings 3:11-13).

Is wisdom your most important need? Yes it is. “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; Add with all your acquiring, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7) In other words, God places such high value on acquiring wisdom that if it were possible to buy wisdom, He recommends that you sell everything you have and buy it. “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” Proverbs 24:3. That includes your life, business, career, marriage, relationships, parenting, etc.
 
So, how do I ask God for wisdom? Pray. Every morning when I’m spending time alone with God, I pray “God, please give me wisdom in my decision-making today. May these decisions honor You.” And God does not disappoint. Now, have there been mornings I’ve forgotten to pray for wisdom? Sure. Did that mean I made dumb decisions that day? Maybe, but it’s hard to know. See, I also have my Mom and Dad praying for me every day. And I trust that if I forget to ask God for wisdom, maybe they remembered. Either way, God is faithful. He will always fulfill His promises to me.

I love asking God for wisdom because it shows my total reliance on Him to help me make good decisions. And I love opening God’s Word to help me make decisions consistent with His will, because that’s where His will is found.

Have you asked God for wisdom today? Take a moment and do it now. He will give it to you.

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.