Forty Days of Proclamation: Wisdom
Forty Days of Proclamation: Wisdom
Hester Jane Burnside
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding” – Proverbs 3:13
Have you ever said this about a particular : They are wise beyond their years,” “They are as wise an an owl,” or perhaps, “With age comes wisdom.” Growing up I always looked up to people older than me because I knew they were wise. I often sought their support and guidance. My parents raised me while instilling knowledge and wisdom into me so that I would be best equipped to handle life as a young adult. As I grew older I found myself seeking wisdom from people I loved and trusted, and I saw a pattern emerge: I often sought wisdom from the same circle of people!
The year 2020 brings us DAILY challenges, and I believe seeking wisdom and guidance from others helps and encourages us to do it for others in return. Goodness knows there are so many days when I want to give up, complain or simply say, “Well, it’s 2020 . . . what do you expect?” Using and applying wisdom from others as well as within yourself can help you overcome ANY situation 2020 or not!! I firmly believe that!!
Wisdom is the ability to discern what’s right from what’s wrong. It is a gift which gives us the capability to make the right choice or decision.
There is wisdom from people and there is also wisdom from God. Wisdom from people may be packed with sophistication but less in substance, while wisdom from God may not sound beautiful, but it is packed full of power. My favorite verses in the Bible come from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” From these verses I believe I am challenged here to withhold nothing from God as you trust Him. You’re also challenged to trust God so completely that you are not leaning on your own logic at all. Maybe I’m the only one, but I find that so hard! I firmly believe that Wisdom is rooted within you by trusting in God! The Book of Proverbs in the Bible is so special to me! It is a book of the Bible that contains truths, words of wisdom and general sayings which are considered WISE!
Here are some ways I believe we can seek and gain wisdom from God:
1. Ask wisdom from God: Speak openly to HIM and pray boldly for wisdom – I have hit my knees in prayer in many unexpected places!
2. Ask for wisdom faithfully: God wants us to talk to him on a regular basis and seek his guidance not just sometimes, but all the time!
3. Be humble: If God gives you wisdom about a specific situation thank him immediately. Just the other day God showed me wisdom through a situation, and I immediately stopped and said, “Thank you, God!”
4. Be peaceful and considerate: God gives wisdom to those who seek it and need it, but he does it in his own time.
5. Let the pure wisdom of God dwell in you: When God shows you wisdom you should keep that wisdom and apply it to future situations, and you should extend that wisdom to help others!
For further reading: Proverbs 2:6; 3:13-18; 4:5-7; 16:16; Colossians 2:2-3; Psalm 90:12; James 1:5-7; 3:17
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your gift of Wisdom. You see all things and know all that there is. Your understanding is beyond measure and Your knowledge is perfect. Teach me, Lord, that I may walk in Your wisdom.
You faithfully provide wisdom and understanding whenever I need help. Help me remember the countless times You’ve poured blessings upon me. Comfort me with thoughts of your faithful loving care that I may rid my mind and heart of doubts and anxieties. Help me find wisdom in Your faithful promises. Let them encourage me as I seek and follow Your direction and completely focus on the life You desire for me to have.
Amen.