“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 NIV
With all of this COVID-19, many of us are finding our worlds flipped upside down. Many of us are trying to conduct business virtually. Some of us have found ourselves with no employment or limited hours. Others of us are in a new environment where our children are home with us throughout the day, or we’ve been prevented from leaving our homes. Some of us have loved ones who are exhibiting symptoms or have been diagnosed with the virus and we’re wondering how to help. All of us have adjustments to our daily rhythm.
This time of sudden adjustment requires wisdom in order to accomplish the tasks set before us. The good news is that we can ask God for wisdom in these times. Doing so, continues to acknowledge Him as first in our lives and our dependence on Him. Additionally, James records that God “gives generously to all without finding fault.” This means that no matter any past mistakes, no matter if we’ve been out of communication with the Lord for a while, or if we’ve already asked before, He’ll grant us the wisdom we need in any season.
In addition to asking God for wisdom in our specific situations, we also have the book of Proverbs which is filled with wisdom to guide us in life. Here are some nuggets of wisdom from Proverbs for these times:
Take Initiative & Save:Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8 NIV
Have Integrity: The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Proverbs 11:3 ESV
Be Ethical: Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. Proverbs 16:8 ESV
Surrender: In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 NIV
Be Patient: The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. Proverbs 21:5 NIV
Be Present: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Proverbs 27:1 NIV
Be Faithful & Humble: A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched. Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Proverbs 28: 25-26 ESV
Reflection
In what area(s) of life do you need wisdom? Have you asked God about the matter directly? Why or why not? Which Proverbial wisdom can you apply to your life in these times?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of wisdom. Forgive me for trying to figure things out on my own. Give me all the wisdom I need to navigate my new life adjustment. Help me to see things from Your perspective and accomplish tasks in a manner that will bring honor and glory to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Andreas Fickl on Unsplash
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