A THOUGHT FOR CHALLENGING TIMES "FOR THE LORD GIVETH WISDOM"

Dear Members in Christ,

A thought for challenging times “For the Lord Giveth Wisdom”

I am sure this weighs heavily upon the minds of many of us. It has been more than two years since Covid-19 was first discovered, and the pandemic has crippled the economy of many nations. Healthcare systems, retail businesses, even education plans have been transformed by the regulatory requirements to curb the spread of this disease. While the world is frantically attempting to restore the economy and livelihoods, there is still very much anxiety that things will ever return to some state of normalcy. In the midst of this, what have we to offer for comfort? This we know, that in Christ, we have the precious word of God to be our guide and wisdom. Wisdom from God’s word is always our guide. No matter what the circumstances, we can rely upon the Lord our God to give us wisdom, to help us navigate through these troublous times. As the writer of the Book of Proverbs exhort,

“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.” (Proverbs 2:6, 7)

As we face the difficulties and challenges of the year, lets us heed the wise words of scripture. The writer of proverbs in these verses points us to the source of wisdom so that we know that wisdom is from God. And the writer reminds us of the benefit of a close walk with God to enjoy the continued leading and guidance of wisdom bestowed by God. 

< >Wisdom comes from God 

The wise king Solomon wrote that “the Lord giveth wisdom.” Solomon should know something about wisdom, the bible tells us that, “there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.” (1 Kings 4:34). Solomon, of all the people on earth in his time, should know that wisdom comes from God. One obtains wisdom when it is given by God, just as Solomon obtained his great wisdom as a bestowment from God. Remember how God had appeared to him and he requested for an understanding heart, and God was pleased with his request and gave him more than that which he had asked.

We too must remember that wisdom comes from God. As children of God, let this be our prayer constantly. If we have a new area of service or ministry, let us commit it unto the Lord and ask for wisdom to do the right things, the things which are pleasing in God’s sight. The pandemic has brought upon us many difficult challenges. If we see a difficulty ahead, whether it be in your homes, your workplace, or for some in your institution of study, ask the Lord to grant you wisdom to deal with the difficulties ahead. Undoubtedly, the months ahead will be full of challenges. But we must not forget, as saints in the Lord, our source of wisdom is from God and Him alone. The bible gives us plenty of examples of those who fail God by seeking their wisdom, or the wisdom of the world. One example that comes to mind is Sarah who offered her handmaid to her husband Abraham to be a surrogate mother of their child. Let us be cautious and steer clear of the ways which come from human intellect or worldly wisdom. Instead, let us seek God’s wisdom alone.       

< >Where do we get God’s wisdom? 

Having said that wisdom comes from God, the next question one should contemplate is, “Where and how can we obtain God’s wisdom?” We are not left without a clue, for the bible tells us that wisdom is given by God. It also points us towards the wisdom which is in God’s word. Solomon is quite clear about how God dispenses wisdom to the believer. He writes that God gives wisdom, “out of his mouth…” for from it, “cometh knowledge and understanding.” Where are the words which have proceeded from the mouth of God? You are correct if you say, “the Bible!” Every word of the Bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), and the word “inspired” means “breathed out,” as a person would breathe as he speaks. The words spoken by God are recorded for us in the Bible. Nowadays, in the world, even in Christendom, the Bible is not always viewed as God’s inspired word. But those whose hearts are illumined by the Holy Spirit will know with conviction that the Bible is God’s word. We can search the scripture when we want to know what God’s wisdom is for us.

Are you challenged with how to bring up your child? The bible gives wise guidance on how to raise a child in the knowledge of God. Are you facing anxieties in life, and having concerns about your livelihood? The Bible has many wise and comforting sayings to guide a believer through these times. Perhaps you may have concerns about decisions in your life, matters which may be as wide-ranging as life partnership, decisions about self-development, or service and ministry in the church. Look to God’s word for the source of wisdom.

On this note, I would like to encourage everyone to embark on the study of God’s word. There are many ways you can benefit, for instance by joining a Bible Study Group. Calvary Jaya has several fellowships with weekly or fortnightly bible study. Do take the time to join these groups. Then there are online courses which you can also benefit from. Or, you may if you have not already started, commence on a read-through-the-bible program. We all ought to remember the words of Solomon the wise king. Firstly, wisdom is from God, and secondly, the word of God is the source of our wisdom. May His name be glorified. Amen.

In Christ, 
Dn. Lim Seh Beng