“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.“
— James 1:5 KJV
Reflection on Today's Verse
How many times in life do we genuinely feel like we’ve got it all figured out? I’m willing to bet the answer is somewhere between “rarely” and “absolutely never.” It’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions. You look at all the pieces and think, “Yeah, I got this,” and five minutes later, you’re Googling how to fix your disaster while covered in tiny Allen wrenches.
That’s where James comes in with this incredible offer: Just ask for wisdom. That’s it. No form to fill out, no essay to submit. You don’t need to have a PhD in theology to get on God’s good side here. And the best part? God isn’t rolling His eyes at us when we come to Him like, “Uhh, I’m lost again.” He’s not like that annoying friend who says, “I told you so” every time you ask for help. Nope. James tells us God is generous with His wisdom. Generous! He’s practically waiting to dish it out like grandma with an extra slice of pie.
But here’s the kicker: we have to ask. Sounds simple, right? Except sometimes, we act like we’re too busy trying to figure things out on our own. It’s like we’re running a race but refuse to tie our shoes because, “I got this!” Spoiler: we usually don’t. God’s not going to force us to take His advice, but He’s always ready, waiting, and smiling, probably wondering why we’re trying to reinvent the wheel when He’s got the whole blueprint right there.
So, here’s the takeaway: Life gets confusing, frustrating, and downright chaotic. But when you hit those “I-have-no-idea-what-I’m-doing” moments—which, let’s face it, happens a lot—don’t forget to do the easiest and smartest thing. Ask God for wisdom. He’s never stingy with it, and it’ll probably save you from a few of those metaphorical (or literal) IKEA mishaps along the way.
Personal Prayer
Dear Lord, I come to You today, humbled and aware of my limitations. There are so many moments when I just don’t know what to do or where to turn, and I find myself lost in confusion. But Your word today reminds me that when I lack wisdom, I can come to You—freely and without fear of judgment.
So here I am, Lord, asking for Your wisdom. Please guide my thoughts, my decisions, and my heart. Help me see things the way You see them, and lead me down the path You’ve set before me. I trust in Your generous spirit, knowing You never withhold the guidance I need.
Thank You for always being there to listen, for never growing tired of my asking, and for giving me more than I could ever understand on my own. I place my trust in You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.