Want Wisdom?
We talk about a lot of things we want.
We want to lose weight.
We want to be healthy and strong.
We want to be wise.
We want to know more about the Bible.
We want to be close to God.
But do we really?
How much energy and effort are we willing to put toward the things we want? How much are we willing to sacrifice?
Or do we find it easier to talk about what we want without actually applying ourselves toward a goal?
The great King Solomon spoke of the desire for wisdom and knowing God. He talked about it a lot.
In the second chapter of Proverbs, he set up a picture of someone seeking silver or a treasure. In my mind’s eye, I can see a treasure hunter like in “The Raiders of the Lost Ark” or “National Treasure” risking everything to find the prize they are seeking. In this case, though, the treasure is the knowledge of God.
“Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:3 – 5, KJV).
God has promised that if we seek Him, we will find Him. He told the Israelites,
“29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29, KJV).
In today’s world, we live by summaries and one-minute devotions. We are quick to say, “Get to the point,” without considering the context of the point, and we like everything wrapped up in a tidy little meme. We want wisdom and we want to know God, but searching takes a lot of time and effort. Isn’t there a shortcut?
The short answer is, “no.”
Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39, KJV).
By this time, we can begin to feel a bit overwhelmed as we consider the task of gaining wisdom, but God does not leave us stranded. The very next verse in Proverbs shows us His grace.
“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding’ (Proverbs 2:6, KJV).
He tells us again in James 1:5 - 7.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”
I feel like the asking is a part of our search. When we know we need wisdom, we know we need God. Rather than wandering around unsure of answers, we know where to go for help. We know whom to ask.
The question remains, how badly do we want wisdom and to know God? Are we willing to search His word for what He would have us do? Are we willing to go to Him for help and clarity rather than depending on the watered-down wisdom of the world?
God does not force Himself on us, but when we seek Him in faith we find Him. Always.
Dear Father, how patient You are as we wander around in our senseless searching for answers in this world when You hold all the wisdom, all the Truth. We only need ask for Your guidance. Today, I ask that You align my heart with Yours and lead me in Your way. Let me mind be filled with Your truth as I read Your Word. Fatten me up on Your words rather than on the husks of the world. Grant understanding as I read Your Word. May I know You, Lord. In the precious name of Jesus, because of Who He is and what He has done, I pray.
Heart Check
· How much time have you spent seeking God’s wisdom in the past week?
· How much time have you spent seeking wisdom from the world?
· How can you show your desire to know God more?
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