We are surrounded by information on a daily basis. From social media and network news to television and podcasts, we’ve never had such an explosion of information at our fingertips as we do today. Yet how many of us still struggle with knowing how to navigate marriage, parenting, finances, career, relationships, health, time, or priorities?
I mean, face it. You can Google any problem you have and get 5,280 results on how to best handle your situation. You can watch a talk show and get opinions from celebrities. You can even call a friend and take her advice.
So why are we still confused about how to deal with the questions and decisions we have in our daily lives?
Could it be that so many voices and opinions are clouding our minds and causing us more confusion? Not to mention that with the rise of so-called “fake news,” many people don’t even know what to believe. How much of our information overload is actual truth? How do I know whose opinion to trust?
3 Simple Steps to Find Answers You Need
Humans have been on a quest for wisdom from the very beginning of time. In fact, sin entered the world in part because Eve believed Satan’s lie that eating the fruit would open her eyes to knowing good and evil like God. She saw the fruit was “desirable for gaining wisdom” (Genesis 3:6, NIV 84). Not every search for wisdom is a godly one.
We can look for wisdom in the world or wisdom from God. There’s a difference.
Even as Christians, many of us still look to the world for how to relate to others, what to believe, how to raise our children, what to wear, or how much money we should make. But the more we seek to fit in to the world’s standard, the more we bring confusion and anxiety into our lives.
Here’s what James had to say about wisdom:
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
James 3:13-18
There is a “wisdom” from Satan that is worldly and unspiritual. It leads to disorder. Then there is a wisdom from God that is pure and good. Only godly wisdom leads to peace.
So, how do we find godly wisdom for life?
First, we have to stop looking to the world for guidance.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
1 John 2:15-17
If we need advice about our marriage, how to raise our children, problems in our relationships, how to spend our money, what job to take, or how to prioritize our schedule, seeking the world’s way will bring us the world’s problems. (Not to mention that ten people or blog posts or podcasts can give you ten different opinions.)
Second, we need to look to God for wisdom.
If we want true wisdom that has stood the test of time, we need look no further than God’s Word.
“For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Proverbs 2:6
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:5-6
Now, here lies a great principle about seeking wisdom: we have to believe. Believe what? Believe in God and have faith in His Son; believe that God’s Word is truth and wisdom; believe that He is “the way, the truth, and the life.”
In other words, we can’t live for ourselves and then when all else fails, expect God to tell us what to do. We can’t be double-minded (James 1:8) and expect God’s wisdom. We need to surrender to God and His ways and then trust His wisdom for our lives.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.”
Psalm 111:10a
When Solomon became king of Israel, God appeared to him and said he could ask for whatever he wanted and God would give it to him. How would we feel if God asked us that? I can think of a lot of things to ask God for. But Solomon just asked for wisdom, and God granted it to him (2 Chronicles 1:7-12).
“God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man.”
1 Kings 4:29-31a
King Solomon, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote the book of Proverbs. In it we can find wisdom and practical instruction for every area of life. Every area. Really.
Third, we need to study the Word of God to find wisdom.
Even if we have a struggle that we think the Bible doesn’t address, we can find underlying principles that will guide us, not to mention we have the leadership of the the Holy Spirit.
So, why do we ever think we need Google or Facebook to solve our problems? Why would we turn to a lost friend or family member for advice?
And why would we possibly struggle in fear, anxiety, or confusion about what to do in any circumstance of our daily lives? God has given us all we need. His wisdom will guide us in life.
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3
All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ. All.
Friends, my prayer for you today is that you would allow the Word and the Spirit to guide your every decision with peace in your daily life.
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
Ephesians 1:17
Wisdom from the Father, Son, and Spirit to know Him better. That’s the kind of advice you can live with.
Do you want to grow your understanding of God’s Word so you can be led by His truth? Check out my 365-day devotional based on the wisdom and poetic books of the Bible. In it you will find encouragement from God’s wisdom for your daily life. Just click the image to find out more.
