A Simple Way to Discover God's Wisdom
Updated: Sep 27, 2022
"If anyone 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
Many moons ago, I thought the world revolved around me. I felt I was the captain of my own ship, the master of my destiny. I thought the keys to the universe were neatly shelved in libraries worldwide. I thought if I asked enough complex questions of brilliant thinkers, I, too, could unlock the mysteries I dreamed of.
I overthought, and I was fundamentally wrong in my thinking.
Like many university professors, my fundamental challenge wasn't a lack of knowledge, awareness, or skills. The problem was a lack of wisdom and understanding. I'm not talking about "common sense" or wisdom from stepping on an upturned Bow rake for the first time. The rake handle will leave a mark on your forehead. I'm talking about wisdom that transcends the limits of libraries and, yes, even the outer limits of Google. I hear you gasp! :-)
A Simple Way to Find Wisdom
The Apostle James breaks down just how simple it is to discover God's wisdom. When we become exhausted searching the heavens for wisdom, we can lie down, look up at the stars, and ask God for His wisdom. He gives it without finding fault in us, no matter how boneheaded the question(s). I know, it seems too simple. Perhaps that's why Jesus said,
"Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 18:3-4
All we need to do is humble ourselves before God, empty our overflowing cup of worldly knowledge, and ask for His wisdom. It took decades before I could genuinely humble myself before God and seek His wisdom. I was taught to lean on our understanding and figure it out! Let me tell you that is a HARD way to discover even simple knowledge, let alone God's infinite wisdom.
But here's what I discovered: humbling oneself to God is easy once we understand who is in control of the universe...Who is the Master of Destiny...Who holds the keys to the mysteries of all things. Once I submitted my ego to those facts, I realized how simple God made it for us to share in His wisdom. When I opened the Bible, the "lesson" for the day became as clear and bright as a desert morning.
Conclusion
There is a simple way to discover God's wisdom; however, it isn't always easy for everyone. Here's what God seems to require of us before handing over the keys to the mysteries of His Kingdom:
Acknowledge that no matter how much worldly knowledge you have, God's infinite wisdom surpasses it all;
Acknowledge that you are NOT in command; God is. Humble submission to His will is a prerequisite for discovering God's wisdom;
Empty your own overflowing cup of worldly knowledge. This isn't literal dumping of ALL knowledge that you've acquired throughout your life. It's recognizing that worldly knowledge is subordinate to God's wisdom, not superior to it;
Now you can relax and ask God all the questions you want...the "dumber" the questions, the better! God will lovingly teach you the wisdom of His ways as you navigate from here to your Heavenly home.
Finally, a reassuring endpoint courtesy of Jesus Himself: "Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
