God's Wisdom for Summer Decisions - Your Nightly Prayer - June 21st

Greg Grandchamp

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Your Nightly Prayer

God's Wisdom for Summer Decisions
Your Nightly Prayer
by Greg Grandchamp

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you. " - James 1:5

SOMETHING TO PONDER

After a few long months of winter, spring starts to open us up a bit as we see everything beginning to bloom again. Summer comes and seems to present a whole new set of opportunities and decisions. Some are certainly more important than others. Often, we find ourselves at a crossroads – or even more than one important decision. We know in our hearts we ought to turn to the Lord for guidance, but if we’re honest, too often we simply ask for His blessings on the decision we want to make or have already made. Maybe it’s time to step back from that approach. There have been so many times it hasn’t really worked out for us – maybe it’s time to find a better way. Maybe it’s time we turn to God for wisdom. We may not feel confident that we will hear an answer – or that the answer will be the choice we really want. On the other hand, we absolutely know we can rely on God’s promises – and He has promised to give us wisdom when we ask. As long as we keep an open heart, we can know that whatever decision we make, we will have been led to it by God’s wisdom.

When Solomon was a very young king, he prayed to the Lord for a “wise and discerning heart” in order that he might lead his people and “distinguish between right and wrong.” (1 Kings 3:5-14) The Lord answered his prayer – and then some. Solomon became known as the wisest man who ever lived. You may not realize it, but Solomon wrote forty Proverb verses about wisdom. Forty. Our prayers to the Lord for wisdom need not always be associated with specific decisions we must make. After all, wisdom is something we can possess that will aid and guide us throughout our lives. While we may not hear God’s voice or feel as though discernment is a strong suit, we can absolutely rely on the Holy Spirit dwelling within us to lead us in the way we should go.

While the Holy Spirit does not speak in audible words, He will guide us through our own consciences and in other quiet, subtle ways. James’ teaching, as the brother of Jesus, might well have come from experience. While a fairly brief statement, it is a significant promise for all of us. The wisdom of the Lord is something we can all grow to treasure.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,
Thank you for always being there for me. I know in my heart I can always count on your leading through your Spirit. Please grant me the gift of wisdom as I make the decisions I face. Help me to do what you know is best for me. Help me to set aside my own desires and open my heart and mind to your will and to the guidance you provide.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

Staying in God’s Word
One of the most important ways we can recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit is through knowledge of God’s Word. When we are led to something clearly contrary to the Word of God, we can know that is not from the Spirit.
Pray Continuously
When we are consistent in our prayers, we open our hearts and minds to His leading and guidance. We might very well be surprised when a thought suddenly crosses our minds that is an answer we have been seeking.
It Will Feel Right
When facing a tough decision, often we know the right thing to do, even if it is not our first desire. Rather than follow our desires, following the Lord’s leading – and when all is said and done, it will “feel right.”

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Simon Lehmann

Grandchamp is an author and speaker. His book, “In Pursuit of Truth, A Journey Begins,” is an easy-to-read narrative that offers answers to the most common questions new believers and non-believers have about Jesus Christ (Amazon.) Greg speaks on living out our faith in our daily lives – and on creating true disciples of Christ.
Greg doesn’t pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else – in pursuit of truth.
Greg can be reached by email or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.

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