James 1:5-8

September 03, 2024

Be Steady

James highlights that the challenges we face in life are meant to help us grow spiritually. To deal with these difficulties well, we need to change how we view our trials, which calls for wisdom from God. He explains that true wisdom isn’t just about being smart or knowledgeable; it starts with being committed to following God, as shown through Jesus, and living in a way that reflects His teachings. This means we should confidently ask God for help when we don’t understand something.

James points out that there's a big difference between wisdom that comes from God and the kind of thinking you find in the world. Just being smart or good at something doesn't mean you have true wisdom unless it’s rooted in faith in Christ. In James 1:6–8, he encourages us to trust God completely and warns against being like waves in the ocean, which are always shifting and unstable. A person who is like a wave will ask God for wisdom but then quickly doubt whether God will really help them. This kind of person is not steady in their faith. James describes them as "double-minded." He reassures us that God is not like that; instead, God is generous and provides wisdom to anyone who asks for it. When God gives wisdom, he does so kindly—he doesn’t criticize or mock you for needing help. He simply offers you guidance when you reach out to him.

What challenges are you dealing with today? Don't forget to ask God for wisdom in handling whatever comes your way.

⁵ If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. ⁶ But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.⁸ Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

James 1:5-8