Grant Us Wisdom
“Grant us wisdom to discern Your will as our longings take shape.”
James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
The Advent season calls us to active waiting - not merely sitting idle but diligently seeking God's will for our lives. Picture the wise men out in the fields, their eyes fixed upon the star, carefully discerning its movement across the night sky. They didn't just observe; they followed. They didn't just wait; they pursued. Their journey teaches us that wisdom and discernment are active companions on our spiritual path.
The book of Proverbs reminds us that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (Proverbs 9:10). This sacred wisdom begins with reverence - a holy awe of God that transforms how we see everything else. Like a compass pointing true north, this reverence orients all our desires and decisions toward God's perfect will.
Think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who responded to the angel's extraordinary announcement with wonder and wisdom. She pondered these things in her heart, weighing the magnitude of God's calling against the customs of her culture, the whispers of her heart against the wisdom of the Spirit. Her example teaches us that discernment often requires deep reflection and courageous trust.
As we navigate our days, we, too, must learn to distinguish between the flickering lights of temporal pleasures and the steady flame of God's eternal purpose. Our world is full of voices competing for our attention, each promising fulfillment and satisfaction. Yet true wisdom knows the difference between the lasting and the fleeting, between the holy and the merely good.
Consider the shepherds in the fields, suddenly confronted with heaven's glory. They had to discern whether to stay with their flocks - their livelihood and responsibility - or to seek out this promised child. Their decision to go to Bethlehem reminds us that wisdom sometimes calls us to let go of our careful plans to embrace God's surprising invitations.
Christ invites us to examine our longings closely. Are they shaped by the world's expectations or by the hope that only resides in Him? Do they reflect our limited understanding or God's expansive vision? Like a master artisan working with clay, the Holy Spirit wants to shape our desires until they reflect the very heart of God.
This transformative work requires both surrender and engagement as we actively seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and community, while simultaneously releasing our grip on our understanding. It's a holy balancing act - we work diligently to discern God's will, yet ultimately trust that He is the one who grants wisdom "generously to all without reproach" (James 1:5).
Take a moment to reread today’s Scripture passage and then spend some time reflecting on the following questions:
James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
What competing voices might you need to quiet to hear God's direction more clearly? Where might God invite you to trust His wisdom over your understanding?