Wavering when we should hold steady isn’t a good look. But clinging to nonsensical views looks bad too. So, how do we make wise decisions and then stand firm?

The book of James opens with 2 do’s and 2 don’ts for anyone who needs wisdom.

Today’s scripture has a 4-step formula that can even make fools wise. It’s in James 1:5-6.

Verse 5 gives an if/then: If you need wisdom, then ask God. That’s our first “do”: Ask God. James actually says later in this same letter, “You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (James 4:2 NLT)

Ask God for wisdom. I’m not embarrassed to admit I do it all the time. Whether in my relationships or my work, I’ll say “Lord, I don’t know what to do but you do.”

The world has gotten so crazy that sometimes I don’t even know what to think.  There’s nothing to be ashamed of when you have nowhere else to turn but to God.

Maybe you’ve guessed what our first “don’t” is. Don’t: Be Ashamed. God doesn’t want you to be ashamed of calling on Him. He will never rebuke you for crying out to Him.

James 1:6 has the next set of do’s and don’ts. The “do” may seem obvious. Believe God.

The Bible says, “anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

It’s one thing to believe in God and another to believe God. If we want to receive wisdom or anything else, we must believe He exists AND trust Him to do what He says He’ll do.

God will make you wise if you ask Him to make you wise. So ask! And when you do, don’t doubt God. I’m not going to point the finger at you and suggest I never doubt God. I struggle to believe He will meet all my needs, even though the Bible promises He will. I tend to doubt my decisions, too. If you want to make wise decisions and then stand firm, then remember to ask God unashamedly and believe God undoubtedly.

Here’s the news I’ve been teasing for a couple of weeks now… I launched a YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod

Please subscribe today! Thank you for all your support and thank you for listening and declaring truth with me. Your tongue has power. Use it for good.

This week’s scripture: James 1:5-6