I have a new addiction, and it’s called YouTube. A couple of weeks ago, my doctor prescribed a new diet for me. I got on YouTube to see if anyone had tried it and had any meal ideas. Approximately two-hundred million people have and they do. I watched approximately two-hundred million of their videos. Each day I visit again, hoping to learn more.
There’s nothing wrong with looking up a recipe on YouTube, but when forty-five minutes have passed, and I’m still watching people talk about “What I Eat in a Day” or “How I Grocery Shop,” it could be that I am looking for more than a simple recipe. Like the gold and silver miners Job describes, I am probing the “dark recesses” for something valuable.
In today’s reading, Job describes the difficulty of finding and attaining wisdom. According to him, wisdom is invaluable, almost impossible to find, and only known to God (Job 28:20,13,23).
The way to wisdom. That is the ultimate aim of my search. To know what is good, right, and wise. And yet, I am looking for it in the wrong place. I am mining for gold, not wisdom.
Do you know what happens after I spend forty-five minutes watching videos of chefs and health gurus? I don’t actually get more knowledgeable. I get more confused. With so many different opinions about what to eat and when, I don’t know whose voice to heed.
Job’s quest for wisdom does not lead him to a certain location or web address. It leads him to Almighty God: “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom. And to turn from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).
Though the internet will convince us otherwise, as Christ-followers, we have access to this wisdom and understanding. As Paul told the church in Corinth, “But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became God-given wisdom for us” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Christ is the physical manifestation of God-given wisdom, and with our knowledge of the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have access to this wisdom. The Gospels tell us how Jesus ministered, prayed, made decisions, and treated others. The Holy Spirit indwells us so that we can discern how to use Christ-like wisdom in our everyday lives.
God-given wisdom does not leave us confused. It does not make us question whose voice to heed or what to do. God-given wisdom is clear. It is written in the Word, and it has been written on our hearts. This is why forty-five minutes spent reading the Gospels does not create the same angst and confusion as forty-five minutes spent online.
As we venture out on our quests for wisdom, let us seek true, God-given wisdom. Let us turn first to the life of Christ. For if He is in you, so is wisdom.
“God alone understands the way to wisdom; He knows where it can be found … ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding’” (28:23,28). God’s wisdom is clear and quiet, not chaotic and loud. His wisdom gives peace and rest, not confusion and upheaval. My mind creates confusion and doubt. Restlessness and questions. God gives confidence and quietness. Rest and strength. He is the source of wisdom. By pursuing Him, I find wisdom and I walk aright.
Searching, a lot of times I feel the same way. Just know that if we keep our eyes on Him, He’ll always keep our heads above the waves. ❤️
Unfortunately, I often find myself looking everywhere but where I should for answers. I think I can find wisdom and knowledge on my own merit.
I appreciate this reminder today that true wisdom comes from
The Lord, from His story, His Word. If I am leaning on Him and spending time in His Word, then He will impart to me what I need to know and I don’t have to second guess.
Thankful for His wisdom today. Sort of takes the pressure off of me to figure it out. It’s already there. I just have to listen to Him and His Word.
Blessings to you today, sisters.
❤️
Thankful for today’s message. Jesus is our wisdom. God’s love does not fail. Holy Spirit help me to embrace wisdom, fear of the Lord and turn from evil so that understanding flows from me. Jesus thank you for overcoming this world. We do not have to dwell in it. You are our light and life. Joy to you ladies, we don’t have to be bound in confusion we can see clearly with Him as our beacon.
Prov 4:7 NKJV
Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
Love this reminder. Go and get it. Go after it.
We are all about getting this, that, and the other thing.
But the principal, main thing? Wisdom. And while you are getting wisdom, get yourself some understanding also.
Reminds me of Mary and Martha when Jesus came to visit from Luke 10. Martha runs herself ragged with meal prep and such (this and that), while Mary just sits at Jesus’ feet and soaks up what He has to say (the principal, main thing). Martha complains (sound familiar?). And Jesus says, ” “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Wisdom.
Understanding.
Choose that good part.
Dear Searching, God knows your heart and He is with you in your struggle. Praying that you would feel an overwhelming sense of His presence today.
Andrea asks, ‘Am I probing dark recesses for something valuable?’
When all along it’s Christ within me.
Incomprehensible-