Bible Society of South Africa
Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Draw near to God – Day 9

Draw near to God when you need wisdom

Bible text(s)

James 1

5But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. 6But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind.

James 1:5-7GNBOpen in Bible reader

Proverbs 3

6Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

Proverbs 3:6GNBOpen in Bible reader

Hebrews 11

6No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:6GNBOpen in Bible reader

Romans 8

28We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28GNBOpen in Bible reader

Proverbs 15

22Get all the advice you can, and you will succeed; without it you will fail.

Proverbs 15:22GNBOpen in Bible reader

Philippians 4

6Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. 7And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7GNBOpen in Bible reader

What do you need wisdom for today? Do you have to manage a crisis at work, or face a challenge in your marriage or with one of your children? Do you need wisdom to know if you should start your own business, stop work in order to spend more time with your children, or do you need God’s guidance to know whether you should apply for a new job or stay at your current company? Is the person you’re dating your future spouse? Or do you simply need wisdom to know what you can do to make your loved one feel special on his or her birthday? Have you spoken to God about these challenges?

Remember, no situation is ever too big or too small for God to guide us. If something is important to you, it is important to God. In James 1:5 we read: “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.” And in Proverbs 3:6 we read: “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.”

How important is faith when I ask God for wisdom?

Extremely important. In Hebrews 11:6 we read: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” When we ask God for wisdom, we must trust that He will lead us. Make time to quietly listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Write down what you hear and pray that God will confirm it. The enemy will always try to make us doubt, so be sure you protect your mind from wrong thoughts. In James 1:6-7 we read: “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. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

What if I thought I heard it right, but now realise I was wrong?

There is mercy for every season in your life and God knows your heart. In Romans 8:28 we read: “ … in all things God works for the good of those who love him …” No wrong decision can ever cause a situation to become so helpless, that God is not able to turn it around. He is a God of second chances. Stay close to Him and seek His face. You might be amazed at how things can turn out.

How important are good counsellors in the decision-making process?

In Proverbs 15:22 it is written: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” However, make sure that the people you talk to have a relationship with God, and that they have your best interests at heart. God can confirm your route or change it through the advice of counsellors. Choose them wisely.

Remember to be grateful …

In Philippians 4:6-7 we read: “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Instead of doubting and worrying, tell God exactly what you need, and start to thank and praise Him in advance. It shows Him that you are putting your faith and trust in Him.

What do you need wisdom for today? Let’s draw near to God, ask Him for wisdom and begin to thank Him in advance. We might just be amazed at the open and closed doors along the way, as God protects us. God bless.

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