In Need of Wisdom
SCRIPTURE - JOB 28:28 (NIV)
“And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
Have you ever been confused or needed wisdom about why or what is happening as a result of being God’s servant or child? If so, this devotional is for you. The Bible is full of people and situations that deal with this very thing! Let’s take our bro Job, for example. He was one who God specially picked out and put up for satan to accuse (see Job 1: 1-12). Talk about confused! Like what in the what? Is God talking to satan about him? As perplexing as this may be, there are a couple of keys that can be applied to our life and/or situations today.
The first key is God shows up and out for His. He sees us winning every case the enemy brings! No, like, seriously, He has our front, middle, and back. And because He knows the end from the beginning and created all things, He can present us with assurance. Consider this, could it be because, like Job, He chose you? And He chose you because of who is in and what is RIGHT, not wrong with you. Whew! This should build our faith and rest as He handles our case.
Another key that speaks to the whole purpose of this devotional is, reverencing (fearing) and honoring (choosing to stay or turn away from evil). God is how we get clear on life and gain wisdom. In Job 28:28 (NIV), we’re told, “The fear of the Lord that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Yes to a fleshly or worldly mind and heart, this may not make sense. That is why it is important to understand what 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV) admonishes, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” In other words, we could struggle just like Job if or when we take our case to everyone but God and not see what happened in and by the Spirit.
The encouragement is not to get caught up in why or what but to understand what God has entrusted in us and know He is on our side. Our job is to reverence and honor Him. What are some ways you can grow in your respect and esteem of God? Maybe it is considering Him before making a choice, praying more consistently, or being humble and sitting down. It could be not reacting when provoked, replacing social media time with God time, or remaining sexually pure. Whatever it is, know with God it is possible.
To fear the Lord is to start gaining the wisdom needed to walk and live the abundant life Jesus Christ made available to and for us. What’s so dope is once we start to understand that fear is fueled by faith and love, we gain stride…get closer…clearer…wiser. Take courage, God has been there all along and will remain as we continue growing in servanthood as His children. The wisdom we need will help aid not only our walk but others. Think about that for a minute. As a servant and child of God, we have the opportunity through God to help others walk in truth and understanding. Wow, talk about having a purpose. So, bro, sis, keep building your God muscle in reverence and honor. This is what’s really UP. As wisdom increases and evil is shunned, there is advancement in God's kingdom, and we are fulfilled.
REFLECTIONS:
Keep it R.E.A.L., and write a prayer from this devotional. Take some quiet time, and let God speak. Write down what you hear.
Ask for God to shift your perspective of life’s happening and help you to respond like a servant and child of His.
This month challenge yourself to grow in reverence and honor for God. As you do, watch misunderstanding (confusion) and the absence of applied knowledge (wisdom) decrease.