Wisdom & Doubt

SCRIPTURE: 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. 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. James 1:5-6 NIV

THOUGHT: I’ve written much in this series about where wisdom is found. I’ve envisioned finding real relationship with God as the mouth of the river where wisdom begins – a wild and beautiful place I called it on January 10. But how do you get those waters inside yourself? What is the mechanism of getting wisdom to flow from God to you? James would say you ask. There is such elegant simplicity in that. Jesus said something like it too: your heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask, so ask simply (Matt. 6:7-8). Then he teaches his disciples how to pray.

Asking implies so many things: it is you admitting your need, it is you admitting to your lack and God’s storehouse, and it implies you have at least a little faith or you wouldn’t bother. This is not God the vending machine – you’re not asking God to drop you a note that explains step-by-step what to do in every circumstance, and you’re not asking God for material blessings. You’re asking God for wisdom about the stuff of life: Decisions. Jobs. Relationships. Financial decisions. Challenges. This is you, mature in your faith, accepting that God has given you a body and soul that he expects you to use wisely.

But James issues a warning that is worth deep consideration. If we trust that we’re asking a generous Father, who will give liberally when we ask for wisdom, not finding fault with us for knocking and asking and seeking yet again, we need to trust what we receive. It takes every bit as much faith to receive from God as it does to ask. Perhaps more. But doubting that God will give you wisdom is like poison in a well. You don’t trust the water. You second-guess. And you go away more confused than when you came. Stop that game with God. Trust. Ask. Draw near. Listen. Act. God will offer course correction along the way. He knows what we need before we ask.

PRAYER: Oh God, your promises are incredible. Help us take you at your word and just grow up in our faith.