At some point in our lives we will need divine wisdom to know what to do or say in a situation.
In James chapter 1, verse 5 we learn that we can ask God for wisdom and that He will share His wisdom with us. Thank goodness for that! His wisdom is perfect for every decision we have to make and every sticky situation we need to navigate.
I am beginning to see how integral wisdom should be in our walk with God by reading the wisdom literature in the Bible.
In Proverbs chapter 2, verses 1-6 God says 'My child, tune your ear to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.' God's plan was that we would daily ask for His wisdom – for our health, finances, relationships and ministries.
In Proverbs chapter 8, verses 34-35 wisdom speaks; 'Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favour from the Lord.'
God delights when His children ask Him for wisdom and ask to be taught His Ways. The latest phrase of a song the Lord has given me has these words from our Heavenly Father: 'I will dance child, as you walk more and more in my wisdom, as you walk more and more in my ways, as you walk more and more in my grace.'
My dream
Years ago, in a restless, worried night of sleep, I had a dream in which I walked into our kitchen and saw a big owl staring at me. I woke up and knew that God was trying to tell me something about wisdom.
I asked my husband what he thought it meant and even though he was basically still asleep he muttered 'The owl is a call to wisdom, if you had been spending time with God lately you wouldn't be worried about anything. Know God and you will know His peace.'
Well that sure got me thinking and praying! I felt God confirm that simple truth into my heart. There is a great wisdom in spending time communing with God because He rubs off on you after a while and He is the Prince of Peace!
Are we a society that heeds wisdom?
I've just started on a journey of natural health. This has brought up questions of the wisdom concerning what we put into our bodies, as our bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell. What are we subjecting our bodies to that is not in line with wisdom?
I have seen many families choose a big mortgage and stressful jobs over their health, time with their children, investing in their marriage and time and money investing in the Kingdom of God. Is this wisdom?
I don't think so. I think many people need to be including God in the big decisions that they make so that they will become the fruitful tree – a fruitful life – that is talked about in Jeremiah chapter 17, verse 8. Wouldn't you like the most fruitful life for God possible? Ask God for His plans for you, align with His will for you and ask for His wisdom daily.
The bigger picture of wisdom
The need for wisdom is much bigger than this though. It goes beyond our lives to needing God's wisdom for our nation and the world. If we were to look at our country and the wellbeing of people in our society, we would not have to look far to conclude we desperately need divine wisdom and strategies to move forward into health and blessing.
Many intercessors find they need to ask God how to pray for a situation or a nation, and pray God's words and strategies rather than their own because God is the one with wisdom, insight and understanding.
What about wisdom for relationships?
In the past I have needed wisdom to know how to repair broken relationships with family or friends. Wisdom often speaks to me and says 'Humble yourself and apologise' or 'wait so you don't speak in anger' or 'ask God for compassion and love for this person' and 'speak the truth in love' or 'don't let the sun go down on your anger'.
God confirms these promptings through scripture too: 'The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, whole and sincere' (James chapter 3, verse 17.)
I believe we need to be asking the Lord for wisdom – including how and what to pray for our country. Wisdom and having a reverential fear of the Lord go hand in hand. They are two of the seven spirits of God that are always before the Throne of God. Let's humble ourselves, revere Him and ask our great God for wisdom.
Liana is a passionate and creative soul, living in South Australia and married to her artist husband of 12 years, Justin. Liana is an early childhood educator and also writes, sings, occasionally dances, loves nature, is a psalmist and runs a women's ministry.