If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 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. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. ~James 1:5-8 ESV
In times of difficulty or trials, my first inclination is to look to myself. How did I get here? And what can I do to get myself out?
If that doesn’t work, I then look to my husband. He’s a “fixer”. It’s what he does. And he’s great at it.
But according to this passage of Scripture, which comes immediately after James reminds us how we should behave during trials, he instructs us to ask GOD for wisdom. It is not something we find deep within ourselves, in our mates, or in some “expert” somewhere. While yes, there are times when we can receive wise counsel from those sources, our first effort should be to consult the Lord.
Can I confess that I have been, as the Scripture says, “a double-minded (wo)man”? I have attempted to depend on myself instead of crying out to the Lord. I have doubted, not that He could, but that He WOULD grant wisdom to me.
But if I know anything at all, I know that God is faithful, and His Word can be trusted.
Wisdom.
Generously given.
Free for the asking.
No doubt.