If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God….

James 1:5 NKJV

Downsizing required leasing rental units for what I expected might be several weeks. However, weeks turned to months, and months turned to a year. At the end of that year, I gasped in disbelief when checking one of the units. Mold, dust, and spider webs covered the furniture that roaches now called home.

The mold and musty smell triggered thoughts of Jesus’ words, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy…. (Matt. 6:19 NKJV). “Now what?” I thought. I needed wisdom, and lots of it.

James, the brother of Jesus, provided simple instructions for finding wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him” (James 1:5 NKJV).

James needed wisdom for navigating a world opposed to the message of Jesus’s death and resurrection, and he discovered where to find it—simply ask God for it!

As I stood before that musty storage unit in tearful frustration, I sought God’s wisdom. I simply asked, “What do You want me to do with these things?”

God answered, “Clean them up. Sell some. Give the rest away.”

So I did!

But, that was not the last time I asked for wisdom. My words often vary, but they all ask for God’s wisdom: What should I do? Now what? Reveal truth to me. Show me the way. I don’t know what to do. What is Your will?

And, just like James said, He has always answered.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a prayer away as a source of wisdom for living our lives. Thank You that based on Your love, Your guidance always includes the best for us. Remind me often to seek Your wisdom before things grow moldy and musty in my heart. In Your Son’s name I pray, Amen.

Linda Lesniewski