If You Ask for Wisdom, You Will Receive It
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you. — Psalms 32:8
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. — James 1:5
Author
Dr. Roberto Miranda
Summary: When we face a need or a difficult task, we should ask the Lord for insight, wisdom, and strategy. James promises that God gives wisdom generously and without reproach. Although other requests may not be for our good and may not be granted, wisdom always blesses, enlightens, and leads to what is good. God teaches us the way, gives knowledge and understanding, and protects those who walk uprightly. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. Let us draw near with humility and faith, acknowledging that our understanding is insufficient. If we cry out and seek understanding as though it were treasure, God will answer and provide the light we need to make our way through difficult paths.
The first thing I seek when I have a need or a difficult task in my life is illumination: "Lord, give me wisdom; give me the strategy." I believe in a God who speaks, a God who enlightens, who tells us which way we must walk.
We must ask the Lord for wisdom. The Apostle James says in James chapter 1, “If any of you lacks wisdom”—what should he do?—“Let him ask of God, who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
There is complete simplicity in that promise. If there is anything I know I will receive from God if I ask Him for it, it is wisdom. Other things may not be for my good, and if I ask Him for them, the Lord may not grant them to me. But wisdom never causes harm, never produces negative results. It always blesses and enlightens; it always leads to good things. That is why we can trust that if we ask the Lord for it, we will always receive it.
God promises in Psalms 8:32, “I will make you understand, and I will teach you the way in which you should walk.” The writer of Proverbs declares: "For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He provides sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly" (Prov. 2:6 and 7).
The Holy Spirit is the Instructor par excellence. The Bible says that He will lead us into all truth. Believe; ask the Lord for wisdom, and humble yourself. Ask Him in faith, believing that promise that He will generously give you what you ask of Him! Tell Him, “Lord, the truth is that I do not have what I need. My understanding is empty. I have a difficult path ahead of me, and I do not know how to make my way through it.”
God will not allow you to be put to shame. He Himself calls us to trust in Him: If we cry out, He will answer us and provide us with the light we need. "If you cry out for understanding, and raise your voice for discernment; if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God" (Prov. 2:3–5).