With the world beginning to open back up again after being sheltered at home,, things feel chaotic to me.  Do you wear a mask at this store, but not at that store?  What time do I go get my plants for my flower pots so it won’t be too crowded?  When can I get my online grocery order picked up?  Where do I find wisdom in making the right decisions, moment to moment?  Where is God in the chaos I am experiencing?

Perhaps, you’re not experiencing as much chaos.  Things haven’t changed much for you.  You’re still working at home, or putting in 70 hours as an essential worker.  Still, you may be asking:

“Where is God in the middle of all this chaos?”

The definition of chaos is a state of utter confusion. Things seem pretty confused to me right now, don’t they to you? However, the writer of James in the New Testament gives each of us some insight as to how find wisdom needed for the journey of life, especially when things feel so unsettling.

If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking. (James 1:5, The Voice)

The implication here is that God is right here in the middle of the chaos.  God is with you and for you.  He hasn’t disappeared, even when things seem out of whack or He seems distant.

How can you ask for wisdom?

If you don’t have all the wisdom you need for your current journey, James tells you that all you have to do is ask God.  When you ask God though, for wisdom, what are you actually asking for?  The word wisdom means,

 The ability to reach intelligent conclusions.

Yet, it isn’t something you go out and get.  It is something more to be open to receiving.  It’s often what you receive in the middle of the chaos, or the middle of whatever you are going through, that after the fact, you realize, “Oh, that was the wise thing to do.”

So in the middle of deciding your next steps, you can pause to pray and make a connection with God.   Ask God for the ability to reach intelligent conclusions. His conclusions.  Proverbs 3:5,6 says

Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

It is in the pausing and listening for His directions that you get a sense of which way to go. You can discover which decisions to make = a kind of knowing in your spirit.  A friend of mine calls it planning in pencil as you talk to God.

As you ask God for wisdom, you listen intently and can jot down your impressions.  Then you do the next right thing and the next right thing.  Each step, God can shows you a little more and a little more.  Wisdom is more like a series of experiences, rather than one right answer.

However, as He shows you something, you may need to pivot because you didn’t see the whole picture or new information comes to light.  That’s part of being wise, the planning in pencil,  ready to roll with whatever may come along, especially in chaotic times.

How will you receive His lavish wisdom?

Lavishly – in a sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious manner- is the wisdom that God graciously provides.  Whew!  Can’t you just see wisdom pouring out everywhere, flowing and being drenched with His unfathomable wisdom and grace?  I see sparkles everywhere.  He will lavish His wisdom in the good times and the challenging times.

We can receive His wisdom with an open heart, eyes and mind.  Look for His direction in each decision you are making as He will lavish His wisdom all over you. Notice how you mind, body and emotions react to what wisdom you are seeking and what He gives.  A peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and mind as you find those wise decisions that He has for you.

Now, how will you connect with God for wisdom?

What will be your next connecting point?  God says. “Ask and talk to me and I will lavish it on you.”  Prayer is that on-going connection and conversation with God that lets you know His heart, hear His voice and discover the wisdom that you are seeking.

When and where will you seek God today for the wisdom you desire?  He is waiting to lavish it upon you.

May I pray for you?

Lord God,

You long to lavish us with wisdom.  May we just tell you our heart’s desires, our fears, our concerns and even our hopes?  You tell us we are to ask and you will lavish us with your wisdom.  Thank you for that promise.  May we have the eyes to see and ears to hear, especially in this noisy, chaotic world.

Help us remember that gaining wisdom is a process with You leading the way.

Thank you so much that you love us and want what is best for each of us.

In your precious name, we pray,

Amen

Nancy Booth wants to create safe spaces for you, helping you find ways to have two-way conversations with God.  She loves encouraging you to look for ways He is at work. Nancy is a spiritual director and writer.  She would love to accompany you on your journey of discovery to hear and see more of the God who delights in you.  Peace, hope and freedom could be yours Contact her today..