Jen’s Gem: Use wisdom to make the best decisions.

Thousands of years ago, a newly-minted king had a dream in which God asked him what he wanted. He could have asked for anything – riches, a big house, a beautiful queen. Yet he didn’t ask for any of these. Instead, he remembered the words of his father and he asked God for wisdom.

God was pleased with his decision. The king’s name was Solomon, the son of King David. Solomon is known as the wisest and wealthiest man who ever lived. I mean ever – even today’s billionaires can’t touch his wealth. He wrote the book of Proverbs in which he shares the principles of living a life rich in wisdom.

I can’t help but wonder if we were asked the same question by God, what we would ask for? Would it align with Solomon’s request or would it look something more like a child’s letter to Santa?

If we were to answer the question without thinking, our knee-jerk response might be exactly this. But if we were to sit back and ponder, perhaps our request would go much deeper. I won’t lie. If God posed this loaded question to me, I’d be tempted to ask for a few creature comforts so that my life would be easier.

Here’s the issue with this: I might be happy for a time but soon I’d forget all about them and they’d end up in the attic or in a donation bag headed for another “forever home.”

This week in our women’s Bible study, we discussed how and if we could avoid some of life’s challenges. The answer of course is yes. Using common sense, consulting with experts, and prayer are three ways we can live a less cray cray life.

Yet, I discovered another – waiting. As I write this blog post, MS-Word is presenting me with messages that it is ‘not responding.’ I am typing but the words are not appearing on the screen. Finally, I did what any intelligent person would do – I shut the computer off. Maybe like me, it just needs a rest.

“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6 NKJV) 

As I attempted to restart the program, I got a suggestion that I should open Word in safe mode. Sounds good. I accept their kind recommendation. Safe mode. Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it? Wouldn’t it be great to live in this manner every day, protected from life’s bumps and bruises?

Maybe. Maybe not.

As a parent, we are all tempted to want to bubble wrap our kids so they do not get hurt. Even now, with my two adult children, there’s nothing I’d rather do. But that’s not good parenting. That’s not wise. God did not create us to be “bubble boys and girls.” He created us to live full and happy lives but sometimes we will get hurt or make poor decisions.

But we can decrease our odds immensely if we follow the example of Solomon and more recently, Jesus, who prayed without ceasing, who consulted His Father when He faced big decisions. Jesus waited on answers because He knew they would come.

I can’t help but remember a line from the Indiana Jones movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” in which Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones) had to select the cup that Jesus used at the Last Supper so that he could fill it with water and heal his father’s wounds. He’d seen the results of the poor choice made by the greedy archaeologist who sought eternal life and knew he had to make a better selection.

As he perused the dozens of cups, each one more beautiful than the next, he came across a simple, wooden cup and said “This is it. This is the cup of a carpenter.” He filled it with water, drank from it, brought it to his dying father, who was healed. The knight who was observing him said four simple words:

“You have chosen wisely.”

We are about to begin a new month that has thirty-one days. Coincidentally (or not!), there are thirty-one proverbs in the Bible. If you’re looking to make better decisions and experience a life with fewer rollercoaster rides, I want to encourage you to crack open this God-inspired devotional. It contains the wisdom of the ages on every matter of life: parenting, business, health, and wealth. Yes – wealth! Remember, Solomon was the richest man who ever lived. Don’t you think he’s got some sound financial planning advice?

Mr. Jones knew how to make a wise choice because he knew who Jesus was. When we know who God is through His Son, we too can tap into His wisdom.

Who could ask for anything more?