Observation: James begins his letter with a discussion about how to properly live as a Christian, and it is one of the most direct instructions ever given. It discusses living with hardships, having faith in God's response to prayer, being humble in good times and confident in hard times, persevering when tested, and fighting against sin. It is summarized as simply ... do what the Lord taught us to do, instead of just talking about it.
However, high up on the list is this advice as almost a precursor to all of it ... if anyone lacks wisdom, ask for it. The gift of wisdom is not intelligence. It is a spirit-filled understanding that goes beyond head-knowledge, and instead applies that knowledge to our actions in a way that fulfills the Lord's plans and intentions. It might be a type of 'insight' that isn't learned, but is revealed. When someone has this sort of spirit-provided wisdom, all the other elements James instructs become possible, for we have not only the instructions of the Lord that we know, but an understanding of how they apply to our lives on a day-by-day and moment-by-moment basis.
Application: I ask the Lord over and over and over again for 'guidance' and 'direction'. I ask him to lead me. I ask him to tell me what to do. I say I know what I should do and ask him for 'strength'. However, I never ask him for ... wisdom. And the truth is, none of the other things I just listed ... direction, guidance, followership, instruction, strength ... are spiritual gifts, yet wisdom is.
Wisdom is, in fact, what I need in my life, in my heart, in my mind, and in my soul. I need more than just knowledge about biblical instruction. I need more than just a sense that there is a path the Lord would have me walk today. I need wisdom ... that power provided by the Holy Spirit that doesn't just tell me what to do, but gives me the combination of insight and forethought and understanding to do it.
I want to persevere through the trials I am in right now. I want to be humble in my earthly successes (for I absolutely know I didn't earn them!) and be proud of my testimony about Jesus (so I can proclaim it to others). I want to overcome evil temptations, avoid anger, and rid myself of all moral filth ... all of that! Clearly, it is by wisdom that the Lord can grant the power to do this, so that is what I ask for, the wisdom of the Lord's Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Lord, I do ask this. Please give me your wisdom, dear Lord, by the Holy Spirit, to understand how I should proceed in all things and at all times, and then to have the tools to do it. May your Holy Spirit intervene for me and with me when I face hardships of all kinds, granting me the wisdom to see through the situation and respond as you would have me do, and thus build my faith more and more. Amen, and amen.
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