Prayer
God, thank you for meeting me here today. You have given me so much! This mug of coffee, ten minutes of peace and quiet, the dishwasher running in the kitchen. Show me what you want me to see in your word today. What are you saying to me through James’ letter? I want to know you more, dear God!
James 1:5-8 But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.
Reactions
What is James’ main point in this paragraph?
What stands out to you?
Digging below the surface
List the things you learn about God in this paragraph.
Can you find the promise tucked in these verses? Would believing this promise change how you pray?
What is it that God is asking us to do here?
Making it stick
What are you taking away from this today?
Is there any sin God is convicting you to confess to him? Any promises you can stand on in faith?
Thoughts
I love that James doesn’t tell us to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and work harder when we’re struggling. Instead, we can call out to God and he will bring us the wisdom we need. God invites us over and over again to come to him when we are desperate. To share our heart’s desires with him. To ask for his daily provision. God loves to give to us.
Going through trials, we might wonder if God is ignoring our pain. Does he like withholding things? Does he like to see us floundering? No! He generously gives to us. Later in this book, James will write, “You do not have because you do not ask.” Sometimes I wonder what God might be waiting give me if I would just ask him?
Am I developing the habit of asking God right away when I need wisdom, or faith, or strength or [fill in your blank]? Or is my default attitude one of doubt? “I can’t do it. This is impossible. Nothing is ever going to change.”
Maybe I need to start claiming this promise! It’s not how I can earn any goodness, or wisdom, or blessing, but how God will graciously give it to me if I ask.
Lord, will you please teach me to ask you for wisdom and to have a mentality of trusting you for wisdom rather than a mentality of doubt throughout my day? I feel unstable and tossed around far too often. I want faith that stands strong on your promise to provide. God, I trust you. Please give me the wisdom and strength I need today. Amen.
