Praying For Wisdom (James 1:5-8)
You know, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at us, doesn't it? One minute we're cruising along, and the next, we're knee-deep in a mess that we didn't ask for or see coming. And our gut reaction is often to squirm, dodge, or even sprint in the opposite direction. We hunt down shortcuts, quick fixes, or any life raft that promises an instant rescue from our trials.
But friends, what if I told you that the answer isn't found in the hustle to escape, but in a quiet call to be still and lean in? James, with his characteristic clarity and boldness, tells us in his letter - James 1:5-8 - to seek wisdom from God when we are in the midst of trials.
James 1:5–8 (ESV) — 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Now, that's not the world's standard response to hardship, is it? It's not the quickest or easiest path. Yet, this morning we're going to dive deep into this radical, counter-cultural advice from James. We're going to explore how God's wisdom doesn't merely provide an exit strategy from our trials, but offers a lens to view, understand, and navigate through them.
It's through this wisdom that our trials become not just a battleground, but a training ground. A place to grow, transform, and emerge stronger, equipped not just to survive, but thrive.
So, Church, are you ready to reframe your trials? Are you ready to seek wisdom over escape, understanding over avoidance, growth over comfort? If so, let's dig into this rich wisdom from James together, and learn to navigate our trials, not by our might, but by God's wisdom.
Do You Lack Wisdom?
Church, let's dive into the first point, which centers on a question James poses: "Do you lack wisdom?"
You see, in our modern world, there's an insidious belief, a dangerous assumption that we humans, with our shiny technology and impressive achievements, have all the answers. The world pats us on the back, feeds our ego, convincing us that we are the captains of our ships, the masters of our destinies. Artificial intelligence will only make this bold prideful attitude worse.
Society has a charming way of painting a rosy picture of humanity. It tells us we're "good people," that we've conquered our sinful nature, and that bad things, well, they're anomalies, they shouldn't happen to us, and they wouldn’t happen if everyone would just listen to reason. There's a pervasive focus on this temporal, secular world, a relentless pursuit of happiness, comfort, and success right here and right now. But the worse part is that we misbelieve that we can create utopia through our own wisdom.
But let me ask you, has the world ever paused to question this narrative? Has it ever had the humility to ask, "Do we lack wisdom?" The world looks in the mirror and sees an image of self-sufficiency and invulnerability. But when we peer through the lens of scripture, we see a different reflection.
We see our fallen nature, our foolishness. We aren’t good people. We are schemers. We see our desperate need for wisdom, not the wisdom of the world that is here today and gone tomorrow, but eternal wisdom, divine wisdom, the wisdom that only God can grant.
And that's where we must begin, friends, acknowledging our need for wisdom, understanding our own limitations. Recognizing that our worldly knowledge and achievements, as impressive as they may seem, are but a drop in the ocean of God's wisdom.
So, as we explore this text today, I want us to begin with an honest introspection. Do we lack wisdom? If so, which all of us do, are we humble enough to admit our need for God's wisdom in navigating the trials we face? Let's remember, our first step in gaining wisdom is admitting we don't have it all figured out, that we, too, are in dire need of God's divine wisdom.
Ask God
Moving on, Church, let's unpack the second point James offers: "Ask God." Simple words, yet so profound and packed with transformative potential.
You see, in our desire to control our lives, especially during trials, we often find ourselves spinning like a hamster on a wheel. We're anxious, we're busy, we're desperately trying to fix things on our own. In our frantic search for solutions, we opt for what seems like the easiest way out, the quickest band-aid. But more often than not, we find ourselves stumbling, falling, tripping over our own quick fixes, making our trials even more complicated.
And here lies our struggle, Church. We're often too prideful, too stubborn, or simply too scared to admit that we can't handle it all. We're like toddlers insisting we can tie our shoes, even as the laces trip us up. Asking for help? That goes against our fiercely independent, do-it-yourself mindset.
To be completely honest, I enjoy self-help and books written by men who have thought about difficult topics and come up with reasonable conclusions. I find some writings mentally stimulating and helpful. But, a deep and persistent study of scriptures paints a worldview that resolves a lot of problems. Studying our Bible with a strong desire to understand it gives us strength and peace of mind unlike the opinions and theories of men.
But there’s a comforting truth that James wants us to embrace: God is ready and willing to help us in our trials. Not just ready, but eager. Not begrudgingly, but generously. He isn't standing by, waiting to say, "I told you so," or to ridicule us for our foolishness. On the contrary, He's waiting with open arms, ready to give wisdom to those who humble themselves and ask. Now, pay close attention to what I said. James wants us to know that God is willing to help those who ASK. Not those who study. Study is great and important for us to develop a relationship with God. But James wants us to stop doing and start leaning on God.
If you are a doer, this feels odd. Why would I stop doing what might work and stand still for a minute to talk to God. I’m afraid I might lose an opportunity! I think, “I got this!” But I don’t got it. The sand castle is being destroyed by the tide and there is no holding it together.
God invites us to lay down our anxieties, our futile attempts at control, our self-made messes at His feet and simply ask. Ask for His wisdom, His divine guidance to navigate the winding roads of trials. He assures us in James 1:5, "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."
So, Church, the question before us today is this: Are we ready to stop struggling on our own and start asking God for His wisdom? Are we willing to let go of our pride, acknowledge our need, and step into the liberating truth that wisdom isn’t something we must muster up, but rather a divine gift generously given to those who humbly ask? Let's explore this together as we move forward in today's message.
Have Faith
This brings us to our final point today, where James urges us to "ask in faith."
Now, that might seem obvious, right? Why would we ask God for anything if we didn't believe it could make a difference? And yet, how often do we find ourselves praying with a seed of doubt in our hearts? How often do we question if our prayers are really heard? If they really matter?
James, in his typical straightforward style, addresses this doubt head-on. He describes the one who doubts as "a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind," and as a "double-minded" person who is "unstable in all they do." These are sobering words, Church. They tell us that our doubt doesn't just undermine our prayers; it undercuts our entire walk with God.
We all know what it's like to be tossed about by waves of uncertainty, to feel the tug-of-war of faith and doubt. Trials have a way of fogging our brain and making us think things that are irrational. But James encourages us not to stay there. He assures us that asking with faith, firmly rooted in the conviction of God's goodness and power, is the key to unlocking the wisdom we seek.
And let's remember why we're seeking wisdom in the first place. James brings us full circle back to his earlier exhortation in James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Remember, God doesn't promise a life free from trials, but He does offer His wisdom to navigate them, to grow through them, and yes, to find joy amidst them. He is good no matter what we go through in life. The trials aren't the end of the story; they're part of the journey toward steadfastness and spiritual maturity.
So, Church, as we conclude, let's reflect on this: Are we ready to ask God for wisdom with a faith that doesn't waver? Are we willing to trust in His goodness, even when trials cloud our view? And can we find joy in knowing that these very trials are instruments of God's work in us, shaping us into steadfast, mature believers, complete and not lacking anything?
Let's remember, God stands ready to give generously to those who ask in faith. It's not about how well we can navigate trials on our own, but about how deeply we can lean on God's wisdom, trusting that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.
Conclusion
Church, as we wrap up our journey through James 1:5-8, let's center our hearts on the cornerstone of our faith, our ultimate source of wisdom: Jesus Christ.
Remember, the wisdom we speak of today is not of this world. It's not a collection of well-argued philosophies, clever theories, or intellectual prowess. The wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere, as James describes in James 3:17. It's wisdom incarnated in the person of Jesus Christ, revealed through His life, His teachings, His sacrifice, and His resurrection.
This divine wisdom isn't just a tool to help us navigate our trials—it's transformative. It molds us to become more like Christ, to live lives that are pleasing to God. It empowers us to shine as lights in a world often clouded by confusion and darkness. It's a wisdom that brings life, not just in the here and now, but eternal life.
So, Church, as we face trials of various kinds, let us not turn to the transient wisdom of this world. The world's wisdom will always fall short. It might offer temporary relief, fleeting success, but it can never compare to the enduring wisdom of God.
Let's resolve, then, to continually seek Jesus, our fount of wisdom. Let's ask Him boldly, confidently, and in faith. Let's invite His wisdom into our trials, knowing that in His wisdom, we find the strength to endure, the hope to persevere, and the grace to grow.
May we never forget the promise in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." It's a promise for each one of us, a divine guarantee sealed in the blood of Christ. So, Church, let's claim it, let's live it, and let's walk boldly in the wisdom from above.
In closing, let me leave you with this charge: Seek wisdom, seek Jesus, not just in the trials but in every moment of your life. Let the wisdom from above guide you, transform you, and shine through you, all for the glory of our great God. Amen.