Rebekah Wilson 0:07
Welcome to Elmhurst CRC's Daily Dose in the Word of God, I'm Rebekah Wilson and I serve on the Alpha team. To prepare for this week's question, "Is there more to life than this?", I'll be reading from James 1:5-6.
Rebekah Wilson 0:22
“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. 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.”
Rebekah Wilson 0:39
We all have questions about what to do in life. What do I want to be when I grow up? Who should I marry? Where should I go to college? Should I buy this house or that one? Some people consult their horoscopes or go see a fortune teller. Others postpone making any big decision because it creates too much anxiety while others just jump into any decision because they love a good adventure. Where do you go for advice? Who do you ask for guidance? What is your source for truth and wisdom?
Rebekah Wilson 1:14
In our passage today, James is writing to the Christians all over the Roman Empire, and to us thousands of years later, that struggles or questions in life are an opportunity for joy. We grow in our faith and endurance by having our beliefs tested by different circumstances. But guess what, the Lord is eager to share the right answer with us! This passage isn’t just saying that if you want to be the smartest person in the room you can just ask the Lord and He’ll pop some facts in your brain. No, here wisdom refers to “practical discernment.” When we humbly bring our questions to God and ask for help in discerning right from wrong, God is eager to generously share His truth with us. This truth is what helps the house on the rocks stand strong. A house, or life, built on the wisdom of God is strong and able to whether life’s storms. It doesn’t get tossed or blown about like a wave of the sea.
Rebekah Wilson 2:12
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, We praise You for being the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thank you for being a God who isn’t afraid of our questions and who loves to give us wisdom. We confess that all too often, we try to work things out on our own and ignorantly think that we know best. Help us to humbly surrender our wills and seek after Your truth and wisdom. amen.