James 1:5

A couple of days ago we took a look at James 1:2-4, and discussed the call to take joy in all kinds of trials - and discovered that even in our struggles God is at work. He redeems our struggles for good. They have purpose in our lives - good purposes! It is interesting that this exhortation is immediately followed by a promise of wisdom to those who ask.

James 1:5 reads: "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." Doesn't that just make so much sense? When we are faced with trials and struggles we often don't know how to respond, what to do, where to go, what to say, etc. By definition, struggles are tough and they present us with a challenge that must be met and overcome - but how? James, inspired by the Holy Spirit, understands this particular need, and assures us that God will meet it if we would but ask him.

Again, perhaps its overly obvious, but it bears mentioning at this point that we must ask for wisdom in our struggles. One of the marvelous results of struggles and trials is that they (should) bring us to a greater awareness of our need for God and to prayer. We must ask God for wisdom. There is no harm in seeking godly counsel from others; indeed this is something that is quite healthy. Yet if we do not first turn to the Source of all wisdom (not to mention strength, grace, comfort...), we are just being plain silly. He knows you and your circumstances better than anyone (including you). Not only that, but he knows what tomorrow will bring.

Do you struggle to think of God's generosity when times are tough? Yet James points us to this characteristic of God in his discussion of trials and troubles. When it comes to wisdom He "gives generously to all." And isn't wisdom what we really need anyway? Not the wisdom of this world, but the wisdom of God. The apostle Paul describes that wisdom in Ephesians 1: "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. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe."

Who do you look to in trouble? Do you earnestly seek wisdom from God, do you ask that the eyes of your heart might be enlightened so that you might find an eternal perspective on trials?