Do you ever feel like you could use a jumpstart? Or a reboot? Sometimes I wish I could just “unplug and re-plug” my brain. Or maybe press the reset button. Unfortunately, that’s not an option, but I want to share with you one of my favorite Bible passages—one that suggests a way we can reboot. And, unlike those mechanical gimmicks that may or may not work, this one packs the one-two punch of issuing from the faithfulness of the all-powerful God of the universe! Ready? Here goes:
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:5-8, New American Standard Bible
These few verses contain one of my favorite promises of God, but they really say a mouthful, so let’s take it piece by piece:
“…if any of you lacks wisdom…”
Does that describe you? If not at this moment, can you recognize that there are days or situations where you don’t know what to do, or what to think? Times when you could use a “reboot”? My hand is raised, friend! If that’s you, too, then keep reading for the really good news…
“…let him ask of God…”
No need to wonder where to turn for the advice we need, go right to the top! The One Ruler and Maker of all things is issuing an offer that is a great honor: we can go right to the source—the source of all life, the one who holds all wisdom, the one who made us and therefore knows best in all situations! But don’t stop there, it gets better—
“…who gives to all generously and without reproach…”
There it is! That’s my favorite part of this whole passage. When we turn to Him for wisdom, He will give it to us, not in meager crumbs, but generously. In addition, He gives it to us without reproach. Reproach isn’t exactly an everyday word in 2022, so I’ll give a quick definition: reproach means to address someone in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment. Can you picture that? Even though it has been many years now, I can still feel the shame of disapproval from peers at times when I exposed my ignorance on one topic or another. Often I’ve refrained from asking questions because of anticipated reproach—that show of disapproval. I’m so relieved to know that my sincere request for wisdom will never ever elicit that kind of response from my Heavenly Father, the one who gives to me generously and without reproach. Aahhh. My whole body relaxes as I realize I don’t have to hesitate to approach Him for the insight I lack. And I don’t have to wonder how my request will be met, the verse goes on to tell me
”…and it will be given to him.”
Just like that! Even coming up on ten years of following Jesus, I still get surprised by how quickly the answer sometimes comes! But I shouldn’t be surprised, based on this verse alone—God has said to ask and He will give, give generously and without reproach. But is that all there is to it, then? Just ask for whatever I want and I’ll get it? No, not exactly. You may have heard others say this before, but God is not like the proverbial genie in a bottle, bound to grant all our wishes. These verses are speaking specifically of our requests for God’s wisdom, but there is another caveat to this promise:
“But he must ask in faith without any doubting…”
‘Ahh, I knew there had to be a catch!’ you might be thinking. So what does it look like to ask in faith, and what kinds of doubting might get in the way? First and foremost, the faith we must have is taking God at His Word (in general, but also in regard to this particular promise). Let’s go boldly, unashamedly, confidently to ask God for the wisdom we need, believing that He will give to us generously, that He won’t respond with disapproval or disappointment. Convinced of these things because that’s what He said, knowing He is faithful to keep His promises. I think another way we ask in faith is by trusting that His wisdom will genuinely be the best thing for us. We can exercise that faith muscle by obeying what we already know God has said because it’s recorded for us in His Word—our obedience demonstrates our trust, our belief, our faith in God. Whenever I knowingly ignoring the commands that God has laid out in the Bible for me as a New Testament believer, then I’m belying my faith in Him.
“…for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind…being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
My Aunt Ruby had a painting on her wall of a sailing ship on turbulent waters. Visiting her, I would gaze on that picture…but never for long! The other day as I overheard two people discussing that type of picture and I chimed in to say that I didn’t like those paintings. Though it’s been decades since I stood looking at that scene, I can still remember the unsettled feeling I would get from the image of thrashing waves and listing ship. That’s the kind of state we put ourselves in when we fail to live out faith in God. Have you ever been “of two minds” on an issue? Often we are when we are weighing out our options, trying to make a decision. But to remain in that state makes us unstable in all our ways. When we fail to take God at His word, fail to demonstrate our faith through obedience, and yet come to ask Him for His wisdom, that’s being double-minded which leads to instability. Another piece of this passage informs us
“…that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord…”
[Gulp] Whew! That really drives home how important that “ask in faith” piece is, doesn’t it? So often, I find myself in that doubting position. I ask half-heartedly, hoping God will answer, but not expecting Him to. But I know He keeps His word. Always. The problem is not with God, but with my lack of faith. And all those times when I choose not to be obedient—the times when my obedience seems insignificant, or I justify doing what I want instead of what God says—all those have the effect of punching holes in my faith, turning it into Swiss cheese. This passage and its promises are an awesome invitation to us, and motivate me to pay greater attention to my faith and my obedience. Will you join me in approaching the throne of grace boldly today?
Heavenly Father, thank You seems too little to say in view of this magnanimous offer of wisdom given generously and without reproach! How often I’ve been too afraid of being laughed at to ask my questions. Thank You for assuring me that You will never respond in that way! Lord, help me not waver in taking You at Your word! I don’t want to be the double-minded person, destabilizing my life and opting out of this promise. I need Your wisdom and Your strength. Thank You for the answers You give, and thank You that oftentimes Your answers come so quickly and take me by surprise! You are the source of all wisdom—I trust that You do know best for every little thing in my life. Help me to stand firm in that belief and to act on it in obedience. May You be glorified as I live out faith in Your wisdom.
Another, in depth, look at scripture. These everyday needs are so much clearer when you break them down for us Jennie. Thank you for your openness and obedience as you share His truth-and wisdom. In Christ, Sharon