Wisdom is supreme!

Well, I just completed my spiritual retreat day yesterday. While I can’t say that there were any “burning bush” moments, the fire may have been lit and I just wasn’t experiencing it at the time. One of the things that stood out was that I landed on the exact two verses I journaled on last month during my retreat day. Here they are:

“Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ NIV)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ NIV)

To some, it may not be a big deal that I landed on exact same verses; however, for those who know me, you likely know that I anticipate there is more to the story.

Looking at Proverbs 4:7, The Zondervan Life Applications Study Bible notes:

“David taught Solomon as a young boy that seeking God’s wisdom was the most important choice he could make. Solomon learned the lesson well. When God appeared to the new king to fulfill any request, Solomon chose wisdom above all else. We should also make God’s wisdom our first choice. We don’t have to wait for God to appear to us. We can boldly ask him for wisdom today through prayer. James 1:5 assures us that God will grant our request.”

Continuing on with James 1:5, The Zondervan Life Applications Study Bible notes:

“By wisdom, James is talking not only about knowledge, but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God, and he will generously supply what we need. Christians don’t have to grope around in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers. We can ask for God’s wisdom to guide our choices.”

Did you hear that? We can boldly ask and God promises to give us an answer! Wow, the creator of the universe who’s son died on the cross for me, will give me wisdom and discernment on specific questions I ask! Yep, I can attest firsthand to this TRUTH!!!

Now, based off the number of regular conversations I have with people on this topic, I know there are several who have never even dreamed of asking God specific questions about their lives. I also know that there are several “doubters” in those who I’ve talked and likely are reading this today.

Speaking first to the one’s who had never dreamed of asking the specific question, I encourage you to read some of my other post under Hearing God’s Voice. What I’d emphasize is that in order for God to offer us wisdom, we must first have a relationship in which we can hear His voice. Like any relationship, this grows over time and must start somewhere.

Now to the “doubters”? James 1:6-9 speaks clearly to you as well:

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭6-8‬ NIV)

What more can I say? Tough love, but TRUTH!

Oh, before we go further, let me confess that I, too, am a “doubter” at times. It’s during these times of doubt that my life “is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” So, maybe, just maybe, that’s been the “burning bush” moment for me in the past two months spiritual retreat day. “Chris, you’re asking for specific wisdom and discernment with circumstances in your life. Don’t doubt that I’m answering you! As a matter of fact, I’m using a megaphone to get your attention!” Thankfully, we serve a God who is loving, patient, and kind as he would have abandoned this “double-minded” man long ago.

So, how about you? We’d love to hear your stories about your journey! Please comment below.

2 responses to “Wisdom is supreme!”

1. jhanlon1@localnet.com says:

   08/03/2014 at 2:21 am

   You are as very wise young man!!    I appreciate your blogs!!   Your mom and dad told me he doesn’t read your writings.   I told him he didn’t know what he was missing – to start reading them.   Hope and pray he does.   Keep me informed.   Thanks.   Joyce

   Reply
   • chrisdarnoldbu_arnold says:

     08/03/2014 at 1:19 pm

     Thank you Joyce!

     Reply