Verse of the Day - 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. ~ James 1:5 (NLT)

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What to do?...what to do?...

Life is just so full of decisions...and indecision. We want to make sound judgments and right choices, and it's not the moral dilemmas that are usually the problem. We know right from wrong -- we're not pondering whether or not it's wise or prudent to rob a bank. It's the gray areas of life that can have our heads spinning.

So much of what we do in life is not good or bad, per se. It's more of What is most beneficial? What will be good in the long run? What is the choice that won't produce second thoughts later on? What meets the needs of the big picture?

And there's the problem...the big picture. Who has the big picture? Us? Yeah, right. Our human vision is so clouded with self-serving attitudes and limited understanding. As smart of a species as we like to think we are, we have no clue half the time!

And so we go looking for answers, looking for wisdom to help us through this life, to gain perspective and understanding in order to make decisions that are healthy and productive and God-honoring. But where are we looking? Oprah? The latest pop-theology book? Film and TV shows?

I'm not knocking the wisdom that can be transmitted through other people and in various forms. But you just have to know that wisdom comes from God. True wisdom, that is. Many claim to be wise, but the Bible says that God calls this world's wisdom foolish. If the "wise" words people offer are not based on God -- His character and His word, they are just spouting foolishness. Please test what people say and see if it lines up with the One who holds all wisdom in His hand.

Which brings us back to God. James says that if you lack wisdom, ask God. He won't bash you for asking. What it says when you seek God for wisdom is that you understand that He's the source and that you believe He will give it to you. Gee, what could please God our Father more than to have His children seek out His counsel?

James' comments about wisdom follows his exhortation to consider it pure joy whenever facing trials of many kinds. Perseverance comes from testing, which strengthens faith and develops spiritual maturity. James says, If you're going through the fire and you're struggling to make God choices in the midst of it, ask God for wisdom to make the right moves.

Wisdom is more about action than just knowledge and understanding. On this chessboard of life, God knows the right moves to make. He has the wisdom of the ages. So go to the Source, listen to His counsel, and then make your move. He'll never lead you into "checkmate".

Love,
Joelene