Lord Grant Me Wisdom
Proverbs 3:13-18
"Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy."
In the CHS kitchen, there's a quote hanging on the wall, "Knowledge is knowing tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in the fruit salad." In a nutshell, that distinguishes knowledge from wisdom. Wisdom is not just knowing facts, but applying them. For what good is information without transformation?
We ALL need wisdom from God on any number of personal matters in our lives. And thankfully, He encourages us to ask Him, "who gives generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5). But remember, wisdom is not just "the right answer" to a question; it's taking that knowledge from God and following it, applying it, obeying it. That's why the "fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10): we want to obey Him and not step outside His will.
So what wisdom might we grow in during this time? How can we apply what God is teaching us during this pandemic? What have we learned or seen or heard, but not yet put into practice? God's wisdom will transform us, if we let it. Please seek Him for these matters and more:
Do I surrender my questions, fears, and worries to God?
Am I growing in prayer and time in the Bible? If not, why?
How am I letting my discomfort increase my trust in God?
For what do I need God's help to cut out of my life?
What can I do to share the love of God with others unconditionally?
How has my picture of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) changed?
What wounds do I need to invite Jesus into for healing?
Thomas Fuller (17th century preacher and scholar) wrote, "The fool wanders, a wise man travels." I take that to mean: the one who is wise does not go about aimlessly, but follows a purpose, a course, a goal in mind for his/her life. Ultimately, we are purposed to be more Christ-like (a life-long journey, for sure). So let us exercise wisdom to such a goal and allow this "time-out" we're in to offer reflection upon the kingdom of God within us (cf. Luke 17:21). Amen.
Let us pray:
O Lord, I seek wisdom to accomplish all that You have put before me. Grant me wisdom to discern between good and evil in all that is around me and in all that is within me. Grant me wisdom to love others as You do; to understand their value fully; to accept them unconditionally; and give of myself wholly. Grant me wisdom to treasure Your many blessings; all that You have given me; all that You have shown me; and, in gratitude, live my life purely. For your glory, Amen. (prayer edited from Dr. David Jeremiah)