Day 59, Year 1

The Secret To Be Looked After by God

“He does not regard any who are wise of heart.” (Job 37:24b NASB)

Those who think they are wise find it difficult to seek God’s wisdom humbly. These people are likely self-sufficient. Thus, it is difficult for them to receive God’s regard or care. Conversely, God’s people always acknowledge our own inadequacy and constantly seek His help to face various challenges. How could we be aware of our inadequacy? It is simple. Just open the Bible, such as the New Testament, read the words of God conveyed by the Lord Jesus Christ or other authors, and follow God’s commands. After that, we would feel how difficult it is to do so. This would reveal our inherited inadequacy.

Some who think they are wise have the wisdom to do evil. They might experience temporary prosperity, or even live long lives. But these people are always under God’s wrath and probably bring much suffering to those around them. 

As mentioned before, wisdom is cumulative in human minds. Among God’s people, a disheartening situation arises when people perceive themselves as wise after receiving some wisdom from God. Then they could no longer receive God’s care due to complacency. This is like King Solomon in the Old Testament. He was enthroned at a young age and once asked God for wisdom. But he eventually abandoned Him due to idolatry backed up by his prosperity, causing curses and calamities to Israel. Many believers are in circumstances similar to his.

There is one secret for believers to always seek God’s wisdom and receive His care: constantly asking Him for wisdom. Initially, we ask Jesus for wisdom primarily to deal with earthly things. We could ask God for wisdom in everything, requesting His instruction and guidance in every decision. Over time, as we learn how to handle earthly matters well, we could begin to ask more about heavenly things. At this maturing stage, we could understand what Paul wrote, to continually set our minds on heavenly realms (Colossians 3:1-2) with the help of other mature believers. We rely primarily on God’s illumination and revelation to understand the divine world and live Spiritual lives.

Reflection questions:

1) Have you ever tried to earnestly follow God’s commands and felt inadequate? If so, how did you handle your inadequacy?

2) Today, we mention applying God’s wisdom to earthly and heavenly matters. Which area do you need God’s help with the most right now?