Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:4.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
“I lifted my eyes to Heaven and my understanding returned to me.” Daniel 4:34 NKJV.
Your answers are above, where God rules and wisdom abides.
My thoughts and comments today are to “keep looking up.”
Life can get messy and feel out of control. You can lose your way without knowing where to look for direction. You can despair without seeking encouragement and reassurance. There are times you just won’t know where to turn for help. Sometimes, family and friends try to help but their help doesn’t help. Bewildering times will occasionally impose on your life. Or you may have just lost your confidence or sense of direction briefly.
But there are also moments that are self-imposed, when false concerns of privacy or pride cocoon you from the answers you lack and the help you need. Often, you struggle alone, afraid or unwilling to confide in another. That’s called pride, usually. Pride is a delusion of self-sufficiency. “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Proverbs 29:23 NKJV.
Listen to the words of a person who learned the hard way. A powerful but prideful Babylonian king’s words were these: “I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to Heaven, and my understanding returned to me . . and I praised and honored Him who lives forever . . those who walk in pride He is able to put down.” Daniel 4:34/37 NKJV. There is a God in Heaven who understands who you are, knows where you are, and can make sense of all that confuses you. “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5-7 NKJV. There is grace to be found in the midst of your confusion.
If you look elsewhere for the answers you need, you are looking in the wrong directions. As Nebuchadnezzar learned, wisdom comes from above when one is humble enough to seek for it. See James 1:5 NIV. “The wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere.” James 3:17 NLT. I value a simple, practical definition of wisdom, “Wisdom is the ability to see your situation from God’s perspective.” David expressed the truth of that statement as well. Read Psalm 73:1-17 NIV. God’s counsel is simple; “Keep looking up.” In God’s presence, truth brings clarity.
Typically, it’s natural to look everywhere else before looking where any search for wisdom should begin. For answers, we first look inward for clarity and understanding we do not possess. Failing, we look outward – often indiscriminately – to anyone who ventures an opinion, compounding our confusion. Your answers are above, where God rules and wisdom abides. Look upward!
Read the Bible; the Bible is rich with practical truth, opening the wisdom of Heaven to you. Meditate on Scripture. See Psalm 1:1-3 NIV. Trust the Spirit; He is a personal tutor Jesus described as, “the Spirit of truth [Who] will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13 NIV. Pray and worship; they are critical practices, opening your spirit to know God’s voice. Seek Godly fellowship; share life with people who share and support your faith. Read Hebrews 10:23-25 NKJV. Be true to the truth; it sets you free. Read John 8:32 NIV.
My prayer for you today is that you look to God for wisdom each day in every situation.