Wisdom – Page 3 – Me From the Inside Out

Insight is like a life-giving fountain to the one who possesses it,
but folly leads to the discipline of fools.
Proverbs 16:22 NET

This morning’s prayer starter by Criswell Freeman was absolutely perfect and such a needed reminder and source of encouragement for what we are facing in the world and in our individual lives. I have chosen to share it in its entirety. I have included a few definitions of some of the words in the proverb – since I found them helpful for myself. I pray it is a blessing to all who read it and that You will seek, know, and choose God’s wisdom, peace, comfort, and guidance every day.

*Insight: wisdom, knowledge, understanding
*Discipline: ²A branch of knowledge, learning, or practice
*Folly: a foolish act, idea, or practice
Microsoft Bing dictionary

“Where will you place your trust today? Will you trust in the wisdom of fallible men and women, or will you place your faith in God’s perfect wisdom? When you decide whom to trust, you will then know how best to respond to the challenges of the coming day.

Are you tired? Discouraged? Fearful? Be comforted and trust God. Are you worried or anxious? Be confident in God’s power and trust His holy Word. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your heavenly Father. He is not a God of confusion. Talk with Him; listen to Him; TRUST Him. He is steadfast, and He is your Protector, now and forever.” Criswell Freeman Prayers to Start Your Day, #67, p65

Dear Lord, You are my Teacher, Help me to learn from Your wisdom. And then, let me show others what it means to be a kind, generous, loving Christian. Amen.
Criswell Freeman- Prayers to Start Your Day, #67, p65

How many decisions do you make in a given day? How do you make them? Which ones do you pray about and which ones do you simply make? These were some questions that came to mind after reading my prayer starter verse this morning.

This morning’s prayer starter is from James 1:5-6

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6

In the Disney movie “Finding Nemo”, there’s an adorable blue fish whose name is Dory. Dory is a bubbly, happy, but very forgetful fish who delivers perhaps the most memorable and often repeated line of the movie: “Just keep swimming”. I mention her because I borrow the line frequently when facing situations that are difficult as a reminder to keep going. I have also revised it many times to say “Just keep praying”. Someone’s sick … pray. Someone is hurting … pray. Someone is in need … pray. The lost need Jesus … pray. You lack strength … pray. Wisdom is needed … as suggested in our verse this morning … pray. Just keep praying.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul said it like this – “Pray continually”. This can be a daunting statement until we understand the meaning behind it, that it is God’s invitation and desire for us to walk and talk with Him throughout the day. Time with God isn’t relegated to a church pew or your ‘closet’, nor is it limited to before meals or bedtime. Prayers do not have to be limited to the “BIG things of life” either – actually, in 1 Peter 5:7, Peter said that we should “cast all our cares on God because He cares for us”. The idea isn’t that we walk around with our heads bowed or stay on our knees all day – the idea is that we have an open line of communication with God throughout every day.

So, my encouragement is this: Pray big prayers, pray long or short prayers, pray whispered prayers or journaled prayers. Pray believing, expecting, and knowing that God hears and cares and answers the prayers of His children. Just keep praying.

Tag: Wisdom

Trust God’s Wisdom

“Just Keep Praying”