SCRIPTURE FOCUS
James 1:5 - If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
PRAYER FOCUS
Wisdom, according to the Book of Proverbs, is the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7). The writer of Proverbs, Solomon, pleased the LORD when he asked for wisdom to rule Israel as king, recognizing his natural abilities were inadequate for the position. In fact, the LORD responding by saying, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people … I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! … And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! … And I will give you a long life” (1 Kings 3:11-14, NLT).
Solomon was only a young man when he became king, and recognized that his own capacities were insufficient for the huge task of following in his father David’s footsteps. His request for wisdom greatly pleased the LORD, and He is greatly pleased today when we ask Him for wisdom. We often fail to acknowledge our need for God’s insight and perspective in our daily situations. Our culture has taught us to be independent and self-reliant, when we actually need to be dependent on the LORD’s direction and to rely on His guidance.
Paul reminded the church in Corinth, “you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption…” (1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV). Jesus has become wisdom from God to us! God wants us to access His wisdom that has been made available to us in Christ Jesus.
RESPONSE
Is there a circumstance in which the answer seems impossible? What puzzle do we need the solution to be revealed to us? Let’s ask the LORD to give us the wisdom that is from above. Also, let’s recognize those times when His wisdom is being revealed to us and follow the path of wisdom.