Will You Ask?

“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.”

James 1:5 (NIV)

There are peace and comfort found in this verse that many people overlook. It’s a simple truth really, one that ties me to hope and strength for each new day. The truth is this…

No matter the situation you may find yourself in need of wisdom, you can ask God, and he will give it to you.

I know, I know, that doesn’t seem all that profound, but don’t be so quick to move ahead. This isn’t just confined to those big decisions about whether to move, take the job, or what school my child should attend. It is for all of those things, but also so much more than that.

I’ve probably prayed this verse from Scripture more than any other, specifically because of the words near the middle of the verse, “you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”

I wish I could say I’m never in need of wisdom because of bad, thoughtless or uninformed choices, but that wouldn’t be truthful. Like any other human being, I get things wrong and need God to help me figure it out. I NEED WISDOM! This verse gives me hope and confidence to approach my Savior in those moments and ask for it.

But I’ll be honest, this wasn’t always the case for me. Early on in my spiritual journey, I thought I needed to try harder or figure things out on my own when I messed up; if I were really a good Christian, I wouldn’t make stupid mistakes and choices, and if I did it was my job to fix them. However, this verse clearly tells me otherwise.

At its core, this verse is yet another reflection of the Father’s heart towards those of us who love him. Only a loving Father would look at a child who messed up because of their own doing and say, “No matter how you got to this point, you can still ask me for help, and I’ll give it to you. Don’t be ashamed, just ask me.”

Let’s be honest though, we do let shame get in the way, or maybe pride. Regardless, both are equally destructive liars that try to pull us away from the heart of God. Still, God calls out to us through his Word in James, “Ask me for wisdom.”

I think my favorite part though isn’t that God is willing to give me wisdom when I ask for it, but that he is willing to give it “generously.” This verse is dripping with grace from the Father who loves lavishly not only when we need it, but also when we don’t deserve it.

In the words of Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Amen!

ForYour Reflection…

What keeps you from asking God for help or wisdom?  Why?