Formula for Wisdom

“In the beginning was the Word.” (John 1:1) “The earth was formless and empty and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the deep waters.” (Genesis 1:2)

I recently wrote an article about self-correcting mistakes. In the article, I encouraged you to seek wisdom and allow the Lord to help you establish your steps when you are confronted with trials and difficult decisions. A number of you had follow up questions and comments regarding how we are supposed to do that. How can any of us know what steps to take? How do we know that God has given us wisdom when we ask? Is there a formula for wisdom?

As surprising as it may sound, the answer is “Yes”. In our formless and empty darkness, where we are burdened by fear and confusion, we can seek and find wisdom. James tells us:

“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 (NKJV)

The wisdom of God can only be found in His Word, and when we seek His will and submit our need for wisdom, the Holy Spirit hovers over us and lifts us out of the dark sea of confusion and chaos. There are many deep things of God that we will never be able to understand while we are here, but we can be assured that the challenges that God has allowed us to navigate today are ones that can and will bring Him glory. He loves to impart wisdom and when we receive His wisdom, we also get the promise of peace.

Everyone is faced with tough decisions. We agonize over job and school choices. We pray and worry about relationships and how to navigate them. We fret over big purchases and investments. Family planning offers all kinds of opportunities for uneasiness. When faced with a big decision, I think I have always prayed for wisdom, but I am so insecure about the limits of my brain that I doubt my proficiency in making decisions all the time. I know I am not alone in my insecurity. Moses needed to see a burning bush. Gideon laid the fleece out twice. The disciples were racked with fear after Jesus’s death, and many of you likely doubt your own decision-making abilities too.

When we clearly see how inadequate we are, we know with certainty that we need help and direction from the one who alone is wise. I have been placed in the middle of a chaotic and worrisome situation. In my pursuit of handling it with wisdom, I have prayed and sought answers in God’s word. I asked the Lord to establish my steps, and I have come up with a solid plan of action, but I have been so ruffled and emotionally involved that I have questioned the appropriateness of my game plan.

God is so good! He doesn’t leave us hungry. He always has just the right answer and it gives Him joy to reveal those answers to us in His Word. As I fretted and wavered and longed for answers, the Holy Spirit was hovering and in His precious and tender way, led me to this verse:

“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 (NKJV)

I found my formula for wisdom. With this verse as my guide, I juxtaposed the established plan that I hoped and believed was the right approach and meditated on every facet in this verse.

Was my approach Pure? Have I asked the Lord to examine my heart? Am I looking for a temporary fix or an opportunity to glorify myself?

Does my plan promote Peace? Is there coldness or vanity weaving through my intentions?

Am I approaching this with gentleness, or am I looking to win or advance myself? Am I treating the situation and people involved in the way I would hope to be treated?

If something changes or the Lord reveals to me that I am wrong, Am I willing to yield and see a different course?

Am I being merciful? God has shown me so much mercy. My sins are forgiven because of His amazing mercy? Am I withholding forgiveness? Will others be blessed by my actions?

Am I so stubborn, off track or not grafted in to “the vine” that I am not bearing good fruit?

Am I showing partiality? Do I like myself so much or dislike someone else so much that I am acting unfairly?

Am I just pretending? Am I being a hypocrite?

As I meditated and let the Holy Spirit examine my heart, I was overwhelmed with peace. When decisions are wrought with unease, we need help. Life is full of tough decisions and perplexing problems. When our world feels like a dark, formless and chaotic sea, we have the promise of Light and God’s Word to stand on. We always have the Holy Spirit hovering over us to help us navigate the wisdom in God’s Word. In the beginning was the Word…and for today there is The Word, and in The Word is where you will find wisdom.

Be encouraged and be at peace. God’s Word is true and it sanctifies, cleanses, encourages, directs and nourishes. Let His word establish your steps.

“You heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Eph 1:13 (NKJV)