“If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone and doesn’t find fault,” (James 1:5, NIRV).
James wrote this verse for a very specific group of people. His readers were facing a myriad of challenges – including persecution and displacement. They had lost everything, including their homes and possessions. James wanted them to know they could not only survive their trials, but do so joyfully (James 1:2).
Sure, James. No problem. (Eye roll.)
After I had my third daughter, I suffered from postpartum anxiety. I couldn’t sleep. In fact, there were three straight days when I didn’t sleep at all. 4 out of 5 of us caught the flu – one right after the other. But I was the lucky one. I caught the flu two times in six weeks. I couldn’t stand to be alone, so I tortured my husband by begging him to stay home with me.
Whatever the opposite of joyfully is, that’s what I felt for three straight months.
Let’s go back to James.
James told his readers that being joyful during seasons of sorrow is possible. And then he told them how – by using wisdom. Namely, the wisdom of God. Wisdom that is easily obtainable, because all you have to do is ask Him for it.
When I look back on my season of sorrow, I want to bang my head on a wall. Not once did I ask God for His wisdom. Don’t get me wrong – I prayed a lot. But I didn’t ask God what He wanted to do. What He was trying to teach me. How I could grow.
All I did was try to boss God around. I thought my plan (for the anxiety to disappear on its own) was superior to His plan. I thought my wisdom was a better option than His.
Is there an area in your life or in your parenting where you’re using your wisdom and not God’s? Are your prayers essentially a to-do list for God? Are you begging Him for relief when you should be begging Him for wisdom?
I often wonder what would have happened if I had followed James’ advice. Maybe the anxiety would have dissipated sooner, maybe not. But I bet I would have had more joyful moments. Because when you’re walking in God’s wisdom, life is simply better.
Topics: Character and Values, Make It Personal
Sherry Surratt
Contributor
Sherry Surratt is the Executive Director of Parent Strategy for Orange. She is the author of several books including Brave Mom: Facing and Overcoming Your Real Mom Fears, and Just Lead! A No Whining, No Nonsense Practical Guide for Women Leaders in the Church. A shoe freak and coffee lover, Sherry resides in Denver, Co with her husband Geoff who is Pastor of Church Planting at Southeast Christian. She has two grown children and two incredibly gorgeous granddaughters.
