“5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:5-8 ESV.
Plenty of days go by that I wish I had more wisdom. Sometimes I make poor mistakes that I ought not to have made. Other times, things just go wrong in ways I didn’t foresee. And when I look back at those times, I can’t help but think I should have known better. I’d imagine you’re just like me: someone who could use a lot more wisdom.
Growing up, I recall hearing the story about King Solomon. I heard it numerous times, but the basic idea is that when God asked what King Solomon might desire, he replied with a request for greater wisdom:
“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
1 Kings 3:9 ESV.
Of course, we know how the story goes; God grants this wish, but He also gives Solomon great wealth and honour among all the nations.
I can’t help but wonder, do we not ask God for more wisdom because we have little faith? In the passage from James mentioned above, James suggests that doubt may be the cause. He’s certainly right. Doubt is not the opposite of faith, but if we remain in a state of doubt, we must seriously consider whether we truly have faith. When we hit stages of doubt (we all do!), it’s an invitation to journey through the questions and to seek God. If we remain doubting, we have no foundation and can ultimately be thrown about like a ship on stormy waters!
I believe the challenge James is presenting here is two-fold.
- If you have faith, pray for greater wisdom. And why wouldn’t we? Seeking to be more discerning can only be of benefit to us.
- If you are in a stage of doubt, seek a resolution. For your own good, don’t remain there. Seek out God and His truth.
God bless.
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