Wisdom is integral to the Christian walk; it allows us to act in the right way for the situation at hand, even though it may appear unconventional. If your teenager is snapping at you, your first thought may be to respond in kind, but then you say a quick prayer for wisdom and realize that it may be best if you say nothing. Or, perhaps you’re with your toddler in a department store, and she disappears. You could run to security, but something makes you look under the clothing racks, and there stands your child, smiling with not a care in the world. Maybe it’s time for your annual performance review at work. It’s not going as you anticipated but you are prompted to speak up calmly on your behalf, and this time your manager actually hears you.
Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus for spiritual wisdom and insight so that they would grow in the knowledge of God. (Ephesians 1:17) And, if we lack wisdom, it’s ours for the asking: “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) So, how do we grow in wisdom?
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Ask for Wisdom
For anything to grow, there must first be a seed. With wisdom, that seed is a simple action: asking. We all lack wisdom in some way, shape, or form. None of us, as imperfect humans can ever be too full of wisdom. By praying, we bring awareness to our lack and invite an abundant God to be generous towards His creation. Praying is communal, it is intimate. It is the soil in which wisdom grows because wisdom is a relational gift.
Wisdom in its purest form is sourced solely from God. Therefore, habits that cultivate wisdom are also habits that should naturally exist in our relationship with God. Because wisdom is a relational gift, I’ve made a list of ways we can invite God into our lives as we seek Him for His provision:
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Habit #1: Be Patient So that You will Understand the Mysteries of Wisdom
We are not forgotten by God just because God is not answering our questions the way we would like Him to. Wisdom abandons arrogance and asserts the notion that God is trustworthy even when we have no logical desire to trust anyone or anything.
Sometimes, we feel entitled to sensible answers from God in our time. We ask for things and expect immediate answers, answers that make sense, with a clarity that enhances our line of vision. We do not expect to see things from a different perspective. We do not expect things to go slower. Time is the third character in our relationship with God, and when things aren’t happening at our desired pace, we rush God’s revelation. We forget the wisdom of his sovereignty.
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God Is Patient with Us
Fortunately, God remains patient with us. God remains present when we feel numb to Him, wondering, like Job, “Where are you?” God has not and will not change in character. God’s love is unfailing, enduring, and everlasting. The mystery is that we fail to realize these things and believe we can only be “blessed” when we obtain what we want. Wisdom is not simply about what you want but what God wants for you, which often takes a lifetime to fully understand.
Awaiting God’s revelation is not always comfortable, but it is possible. Remain in Him and ask for the patience you need to continue trusting in Him even while things don’t make sense. (John 15)
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Habit #2: Surrender to God's Generosity Because Wisdom Is a Gift
I often hear the phrase, “the more I know, the more I realize I don’t know anything at all,” but I believe the other truth of that phrase is “the more I know, the more I realize that God is all-knowing.” God possesses infinite wisdom. Romans 11:33-36 tells us: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
Wisdom requires an unraveling that begins with surrender. Self-reliance does not yield the wisdom God has to offer. We won’t become wise by formulating a plan and checking off a to-do list.
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We Need to Lose Our Pride
Though humans operate independently in everyday life, everything we know was taught to us at a point in time. The trouble comes once we feel like we have life under control. That false sense of security leads many of us to lose humility, which urges us to sit at the feet of our teachers and learn.
Surrender is a continual command. We do not barter for wisdom with God. There is no cost for us to cover. We simply need to lose our pride and unravel, trusting the Lord to put things together in a way that pleases Him. Rest in the truth that God will provide much-needed wisdom for all of our circumstances.
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Habit #3: Increase Your Appetite for Wisdom Because It is Valuable
Wisdom is not something we boast about so others can praise us. Nor is it something we re-gift because we were hoping to receive something better. In our quest for wisdom, it is important to grow our appetite beyond the things that concern our circumstances. Our hunger comes from knowing that to know God is to desire God more.
Because of God’s unseen nature, we forget that He is a living and active being, present in everyday scenarios. There is no boredom in a relationship with a God like that. Our understanding is limited, and due to that, we fail to see the value in remaining curious about who God is and what He’s doing. But “wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 8:11) This verse encourages us to find pleasure in the abundance God has made available to us by sharing His wisdom with us. Nothing in this world can compare to it.
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Habit #4: Maintain a Heart of Gratefulness Because Wisdom is Abundant
The journey to wisdom might be uncomfortable at times, but it is also worth the peace that God has in store. It may be uncomfortable, it may take a while, but we are not alone. God gives, not to burden us, but to bless us with intimacy. The bond between Creator and creation is unique, and there is no substitute for it. We are both designed by God’s hand and designed for God’s heart. Life is meant to be experienced with God, and in that experience, we, His creation, are filled with a sense of peace.
Proverbs 3:21-24 says, “My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
Wisdom is life-giving. It provides peace in the midst of perceivable harm. It provides hope during times of uncertainty. It provides something no one else can create outside of the presence of God. As we continue to pursue it for the rest of our lives, we need not be afraid of what we might lose along the journey, choosing instead, to remain grateful along the way.
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Seek God's Wisdom
So, go forth, and courageously seek God’s wisdom. You will grow in ways that you could never imagine while simultaneously strengthening your relationship with God.
God’s character, God’s provision, and God’s love are all so abundant. Never grow tired of this life-giving journey. Wisdom is just one of the many ways God generously loves His children. It’s available for you to receive, so go ahead and start with the simplest action: Ask.
Nylse is a Christian wife and a mother of four who loves life and inspiring others. She likes to have fun but is very clear on who she is and Whose she is. A prolific thinker, she blogs to encourage others from a Christian perspective at www.lifenotesencouragement.com. She can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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Originally published Thursday, 02 May 2019.
