God Gives Wisdom

Do you ever wish you had more wisdom for making good decisions in life? Are you having trouble sorting out what’s next? Ever feel like you are just standing in the middle of the road wondering which way to turn? Decisions are hard, aren’t they?

As believers, we know that God’s word and time in prayer are going to be a for-sure thing that helps us get to where we need to go. There are all kinds of wisdom and insight in the Scriptures that we can apply to our daily lives that will help us take the right paths.

God’s word is where He reveals His wisdom and knowledge. Our time in prayer – time spent seeking Jesus and asking for His help – can enable us to be discerning so that we can move forward in a way that pleases God.

We know the Holy Spirit can begin to work in us, too. It’s His work inside that helps us uncover the knowledge and wisdom that God has stored up for every believer.

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
Proverbs 2:7 (NKJV)

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; Proverbs 2:7 (NKJV) Share on X

But Sometimes it’s Hard to Find

But sometimes it’s still just so hard to get a clear picture, isn’t it? In this case, it might help to look to the example of Jesus.

When people asked Jesus about hard things, we often see Him answering questions with questions.

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:38,40 (NIV).

Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” John 18:33-34 (NIV) 

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”  Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? John 13:37-38 (NIV) 

The New Testament is full of verses that show us Jesus was helping others think deeply and face hard truths through questioning. When someone asks us a question, we have to think, right? We have to ponder and consider. Questions can stop us in our tracks, but they can also help us get to the heart of the matter.

The New Testament is full of verses that show us Jesus was helping others think deeply and face hard truths through questioning. Share on X

God Gives Us a Guide

In a recent blog post, we talked about wisdom. (Click here to read How to Find Wisdom for Life.) We discussed some guideposts that are outlined for us in Proverbs 2:1-5. We might find these things helpful for decision making and discerning God’s will.

Proverbs 2:1-4 tells us to:

• Receive God’s Words
• Treasure His Commands
• Listen to Wisdom
• Apply Understanding
• Ask for Discernment
• Keep seeking wisdom

What would it do for us if we took those guideposts and turned them into questions?

Dig Deeper with Powerful Questions

Here are some questions to think about that might help you if you are having a hard time with decision making or processing a particular situation. They come straight from the six guideposts listed above that were outlined for us in Proverbs 2:1-4.

Perhaps these questions will help you dig deeper. Consider praying over each question and then and listen for God’s answers. The process can take time, so try not to rush it.

• What can I do to receive God’s words in this situation? Am I reading my Bible regularly? (see Proverbs 2:1)

• What is the truth based on the Bible? How can I treasure it? (see Proverbs 2:1)

• What can I do to listen well to God? (Proverbs 2:2)

• Am I praying for discernment?  Could I ask others to pray for me as I seek an answer? (see Proverbs 2:3)

• What can I do to keep seeking wisdom in this situation?  (see Proverbs 2:4)

Questions are constructive and insightful, but sometimes this is a growth area that we don’t even consider. It’s easy in our quick-fix society to want instant answers. Sometimes we fail to take the time it takes to fully consider a matter and wait on God’s timing and His responses.

God-centered wisdom is revealed to us over time as transformations take place. These come from the work of the Holy Spirit works inside us. It takes effort and discipline on our part, too. This kind of personal searching often means changes in our thought process or perspectives. It most certainly means less “me” and more Jesus.

Wisdom isn’t just about having knowledge and facts, it’s about being able to discern what is true and right in living God-centered lives. Because of God’s grace toward us, wisdom there for the receiving. We have God’s promise that He will help us understand and find His will for our situations.

Wisdom is already there. It is stored up for us!

Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.  Proverbs 2:5 (NKJV)

Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:5 (NKJV) Share on X

The post 6 Questions to Help You Make Good Decisions first appeared at www.journeytoimperfect.com.

*This post may be linked in the following places. Click through to find more hope and encouragement!  Cheerleaders of Faith / Sitting Among Friends / Moments of Hope / Salt and Light / Heart Encouragement Thursday / Fresh Market Friday / Faith and Friends  / Grace and Truth