Wednesday August 26, 2020

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. (James 1:5–8)

As we look at facing doubt with fear, we hear a strong warning from James. When we face trials, we rejoice because they create perseverance. And perseverance makes us mature and not lacking anything. Yet sometimes when we face trials, we find that we are lacking wisdom. When that happens, we should pray to God.

But James warns us that when we pray to God, we need to be bold. We should not doubt because doubt is a lack of faith, a lack of trust. When we doubt, we should not expect to receive anything from God. God listens to the prayers of those who have faith. When we doubt, our lack of faith causes God to not listen to us.

But we also know that God gives graciously to us without finding fault. He does not look at our sin but looks at the righteousness of Jesus. So, we have nothing to doubt. He gives generously to us as his children.

Today and always, pray boldly. Ask God for what is according to his will and trust that he will provide it.

Our song for today is “Listen to Our Hearts” by Casting Crowns.

https://youtu.be/LxqHo2Pvfm0