“But if any of you lacks wisdom..” (James 1:5)
Grey hair. A little old man leaning over a cane. Solomon on a throne, maybe?
I don’t know. What exactly is wisdom?
As I searched for clues, something Moses said made me stop and think:
“See, I have taught you statutes….so keep and do them, for that is your wisdom” (Deut 4:5-6).
What???
Wisdom is hearing a word and doing it.
(Awww…not the try harder speech!)
How many times have I heard this one? I already know I can’t do it, so I just hedge obedience sometimes because it’s just too difficult.
Hold on.
That’s not what this is about.
If the focus is keeping the rules, Christ could have skipped all the trauma. Receiving salvation and then just trying harder is like saying we are on a diet and then eating the exact same way.
So what is the difference?
It all goes back to the work that we are to do. (Okay, I’m warning you, I’ve used this verse several times already because it speaks truth so simply…)
“This is the work of God, that you believe in HIm” (John 6:29).
The work is belief.
The wisdom is belief.
“Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It’s not ….. keeping a long list of laws. No, you’re already in…through what Christ has already done through for you.” (Colossians 2:11 The Message)
You’ve tried the work route – over and again. I know I have.
So practically, what does the wisdom route look like?
Wisdom is counter-intuitive. It involves actually taking your hands off the situation and placing it into His hand.
Let’s say that children have done nothing but fuss and whine all day. At your wits’ end, having tried everything, you remember: “There is something about wisdom and “faithing” that I can claim.”
Your prayer might sound something like this:
“Lord, I’ve had it. Nothing I am doing is working. I haven’t the foggiest clue how You, the unseen One, is going to make this any different, but I am willing for You to take over. And if You note that my willingness isn’t enough, then at least I can say, I am willing to be willing.”
Then visualize placing each child’s personality into His outstretched hand. Be as specific as you can. That way, when they fuss again (and they probably will – this is a marathon remember, not a sprint) – you can remind yourself and your Father of your previous action:
“Father, I’ve already given this to you. Don’t forget that You promised to accomplish all things for me – that would include my child’s attitude, right? You also promised to keep me in perfect peace, if I trust in You. I’m pouring what little energy I have into faithing You, rather than trying something different. You promised to perform all my works for me. Grant me the patience to wait on Your timing. I really do want to be able to say: ‘This is the Lord for whom I have waited.’”
Then take a very deep breath.
By the way, did you know that the Greek word for Spirit can also mean breath? When I slow down my breathing to inhale and exhale deeply, it’s another practical way that I am reminding both the Lord and I that I desire His Spirit in my situation.
It’s like a breath of fresh prayer.
He is your wisdom.
Did you lack some today?