“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Dear Ones:
Moses was a very wise man. He was conscious of the value and importance of time. Of course, his perspective was always with eternity in view. What then does he do in light of the limits of time, and the absolute necessity that our lives count for eternity? He prays. What specifically does he pray? First, that we too should “number our days.” What does this mean but that we should look at every day as part of a whole, and consider it as a gift from God to be lived well, and in the context of the eternal. Secondly, he prays for the MEANS to do this: “…that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Wisdom is not knowledge, though knowledge of the truth is an essential element of all wisdom. Wisdom is that assessment and action, in thought, word, and deed, that applies the knowledge of the truth to practical living. Thus, the believer is called upon to pursue and know, not only the objective truth of the word of God, but also, the ONE who IS the truth, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is out of this knowledge of the objective truth, that the wisdom of how to apply it is freely, and abundantly, revealed to us.
There are two tests which reveal to us if we are truly seeking the wisdom of God. The first is to ask ourselves, “…Is my greatest pursuit in life, that of seeking Christ in the word of God?” Is the word of God my primary means of learning “truth?” Secondly, do I give access to the Lord concerning the issues and choices of life? Do I acknowledge Him in all my ways, and commit my way to Him? If we are in earnest to receive wisdom from God, then we will be in earnest in our pursuit of Him in the word of God and in specific prayer for guidance.
There is a certainty with regard to God giving wisdom to the seeking heart. James writes: “If any of you (believers) lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to ALL men liberally, and upbraideth not; AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN HIM.” (1:5) God is NOT one who desires to hold back wisdom. On the contrary, He never criticizes, scolds, or belittles us for coming to Him to receive wisdom. Paul wrote to the Ephesians in one of his prayers, “…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of WISDOM and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” (1:17) Why did he pray this? Paul KNEW that God would answer his prayer, and that wisdom to live according to the knowledge of Christ, and by Christ, would be given. Do we believe this? Do we believe that for our lives THIS DAY, God is willing and waiting to give us the wisdom we need to live for His glory, and to prosper in the thing that He has sent us to do? Again, God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and He gives such to those who are willing to seek Him, and trust Him.
Dear Father, fill us with Thy Spirit of Wisdom, leading us, teaching us, in the way in which You would have us to go. Give us wisdom with regard to how You would have us live, and what You would have us to trust You for. We praise and thank Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad