SCRIPTURE: If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything [at all] from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways [in everything he thinks, feels, or decides]. James 1:5-8 AMP
THOUGHT: Sometimes it’s painful to make decisions. We lay awake at night, tossing and turning, playing the odds various ways, trying to figure out which path is best, and wake up weary with no new insight, going around and around like a mouse on a Hamster wheel. I’ve been there, and earlier in my life it was far worse. Then I decided to take James’ advice more seriously. I could see how all my tossing and turning at night – and in making decisions – was getting me nowhere. I decided to trust that God is benevolent in giving wisdom when I ask, not rebuking or shaming me for my need.
Now, I can see how the driving need to be right, to be perfect, to never disappoint others or myself or God was making me unstable and restless. That way of life was all about pride and perfectionism and reputation and self-saving. There were so many voices in my own head, I couldn’t hear the voice of my true savior. But once I began to seek quiet, to really listen after I prayed about a matter, and to trust what I heard and felt, it was an epiphany. God loved me and wanted to give me what I most needed, generously, without finding fault, and the same is true for you.
PRAYER: Help me trust you for wisdom beyond my own ability to sort through issues, Lord, for you see it all, know it all, and are the Prince of Peace.
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
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