Ask and Trust

James 1:5-6
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. 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. 

It's one thing to seek wisdom, but it’s another to have faith in God and the wisdom He gives.

Recently, Tim and I and other family members have had to make difficult decisions for people we love. With each choice, we’ve stepped into a space where we need guidance and wisdom. What’s the best for our loved ones? How do we help them move forward and stay safe?

In my sixty-seven years, I’ve made a lot of decisions. I am sad to say; I haven’t always asked God for wisdom or listened for Him to impart his wise words. In those times, I’ve fallen on my face and then my knees, before the One who generously gives His wisdom, if only I trust Him.

The picture Jesus’ brother, James, paints of the person who seeks God’s wisdom, but fails to believe smacked me in the head. It struck me that I ask for wisdom, but at times don’t believe God will share it with me. I’ve tossed about like the wave and doubted God’s help. Shame on me.  

Will you join me in seeking wisdom and believing without doubt—before making decisions, before commenting on social media, before stepping out of bed in the morning? I don’t know about you, but I need God’s help through every single day of my life. And He gives it to us, if we simply ask and trust.

God loves us and wants the absolute best for us. He’s created every human with the opportunity to choose wisely.

Seek God’s wisdom.

James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Start the Conversation

Psalm 55:16-17
As for me, I call to God,
    and the Lord saves me.
Evening, morning and noon
    I cry out in distress,
    and he hears my voice.

As a new mom, I didn't get much sleep. My babies' cries stirred me out of bed, sometimes more than once a night. For the most part I'm a sound sleeper, but for those years when my little ones needed me I heard their call. As my children grew into teens and tweens, they'd come to me— sometimes excited about their day, sometimes in tears. When they went off to college, my phone would ring and their sweet voice would say, "Mom." Joy filled my heart. Even now, I react the same way. When my children and grandchildren call my name, it fills my heart to overflowing, even when the tears flow.

On my desk at work I keep a little knick-knack. From a clay base, two stars shoot up on each end. In the middle, the words "Pray Often" are carved. I love that reminder. I need that reminder. God loves to listen to his children. If I wake up in the middle of the night, God is there to listen. When I'm driving, working, playing, God is there to listen. So what keeps me from calling on him? Distraction, lack of faith, too busy, don't care? There's no excuse that should keep me from talking to my heavenly Father. He wants to hear from me. Whether I'm rejoicing or sobbing, God has my heart. He hears my cry. And he answers. Through the Bible, other people, circumstances—HE LISTENS and ANSWERS! Wow, that's good news.

Don't wait to pray when you're in a panic, start a conversation and just talk to him. He's available 24/7. He wants to hear from us. He loves us.