Be Wise

When we experience difficulties in life, it's natural to ask God for protection, healing, and blessing. But when we are working through trials, how often do we ask for wisdom? James tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should confidently ask the Lord, and he will give it.

In 1 Kings 3, David's son Solomon finds himself in a difficult situation. His father, King David, has recently died, and Solomon has taken his place as king. Along with grieving his father's death, he's also overwhelmed with the responsibility of ruling God's people. In a dream, the Lord visits Solomon and instructs him to ask for anything thing he wants. Solomon could have asked for riches, a long life, or vengeance on his enemies. But instead, he asks for wisdom.

The Scriptures teach that wisdom can be acquired simply by asking for it. But it is also taught that we have the responsibility to nurture it. Psalm 111 tells us that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord and that all who follow the Lord's instructions have insight. In order to follow the Lord's instructions, we must first know what they are. Therefore, we cultivate wisdom through a steady diet of God's word.

When we hit difficult circumstances, our natural response is often fear and anger or reliance on our own intellect and ingenuity. But instead of trying to troubleshoot your way through it, take a deep breath and simply ask God for the wisdom you need to navigate it. The more we rely on Him and His Word, we may even find that our natural responses become more like Christ. So, if you need wisdom. Don't fret. Just ask.