“I don’t have a text button!” “Aww! I lost my audio. Now I have to start over.” Over and over again, she tried to make Instagram work. Finally, tears of frustration rolled down her face. Shaking her head, she laughed as the scripture came to mind, “In everything give thanks.” “Thank you, Lord!’ she shouted. “Ok, how do I make this thing swipe?”
HAVEN’T WE ALL HAD TO LEARN NEW THINGS?
Well, my latest challenge has been learning about Instagram. That’s my experience above. No, this isn’t an advertisement. This is a blog about wisdom and knowledge. Clearly, things I was lacking to unlock the secrets of using Instagram. Yes, some of you are laughing because you think Instagram is easy. Go ahead, you can laugh. Let me just say that for the technology challenged, it’s intimidating.
Besides Instagram, in this world there seem to be more and more challenges. With the rising cost of goods, we are all trying to determine ways to cut cost and earn more money. With the political divide in this nation, we are all trying to assess the truth. With the rise in violence & wars, we are all seeking ways to overcome fear. We can gather knowledge full of facts and information, but in order to know the best way to apply it in our lives, we need wisdom.
DO WE HAVE TO DIG FOR IT?
When we dig into God’s Word, we find His treasures of wisdom and knowledge. For these uncertain times, the Lord has left us with all that we need to unlock His treasures.
He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure,
Isaiah 33:6 NIV
HOW DO WE GET WISDOM?
#1 FEAR
What! Fear?! No, not the kind of fear I got from trying to learn Instagram. What kind of fear do we need? The fear referred to in this context means reverence, respect.1 The key to the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding,
Proverbs 9:10
#2 ASK
The Lord loves us so much that He does not want us to be tormented or confused with the decisions of life. The Lord’s desire is to abundantly pour out His treasure of wisdom upon us. When we ask for it, we can have faith that we will receive it.
If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally and without reproach,
and it will be given to him,
James 1:5
#3
CONTINUE TO SEEK
Don’t we need wisdom daily? It may take longer than an Instagram post, but spending time daily seeking God and His wisdom will result in blessings and peace.
Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace,
Proverbs 3:13, 16-17
CAN WE ASK FOR WISDOM ABOUT ANYTHING?
Our assumption may be that the Lord only gives spiritual wisdom. However, the Lord gives all manner of wisdom. Look at these examples.
WISDOM FOR ARTISTIC SKILLS
Temple artisans to work with metals, jewels, wood, etc.
Exodus 31:3-6
WISE JUDGEMENT
King Solomon to rule his kingdom.
2 Chronicles 1:10-12
WISE LEADERSHIP
Joshua to lead the Israelites.
Deuteronomy 34:9
WISDOM IN A VARIETY OF AREAS
Daniel in all matters, literature, visions and dreams.
Daniel 1:17,20
We can recognize God’s wisdom because it is gentle and peaceable not accusatory or demeaning.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality and without hypocrisy,
James 3:17
We can also recognize wisdom as it couples with discernment guiding us to know when it is time to speak and when it is time to be quiet, when it is time to take action and when it is time to leave things in other’s hands.
And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment,
Ecclesiastes 8:5b
MY PRAYER FOR YOU
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,
Ephesians 1:17
REFLECTION
Are you struggling to make a decision? Can you ask God for wisdom?
PRAYER
Heavenly Faither, as I write Ephesians 1:17 and say it aloud, I look to you in reverence and ask for Your wisdom. As I navigate this world, give me wisdom in each decision I make and fill me with your peace. In Jesus name. Amen.
IN FAITH, ASK FOR WISDOM
May your day be filled with love and laughter!
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For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/
1 Strong’s #3374 fear
Photo mole, Beeki
Photo Bible, jclk8888
Girl, Andrius Juodzevicius