If you are a parent, I'm sure that along with the many ways you are caring for the gift(s) God blessed you with, you have prayed countless prayers for your kids. You have most likely prayed that they understand how much you love them in the midst of having to discipline them, or that they have good friends and good grades. You have likely prayed that they get put on the right team, get placed with a great teacher, or get to sleep on time...you get the picture.
In Proverbs 4:5-13, Solomon implores us to,
"Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgement. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown. My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a good long life. I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. When you walk, you won't be held back; when you run, you won't stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to your life."
Can you think of a better thing to pray for your kids? When the best thing we can ask for is wisdom, according to God's word, why do we bother to pray for anything else for them or for us? We become so wrapped up in the details and circumstances of our lives; we fret about the decisions we have to make, or the direction we need to go, or fears and uncertainties we face, yet we read in James 1:5, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you."
Friends, let's commit to praying for wisdom for (and with) our kids and ourselves! Isn't that what we really want anyway? We want them to know how to navigate this sometimes, brutal world, and how to make the wise choice when faced with many options. Yes, we do want them to get good grades and good friends and every other good thing that our good God desires for them, and it starts with wisdom. A friend in my Bible study, who is a new Christian, recently said to me, "You know how you always ask for wisdom when we take prayer requests?" She went on to say that she always thought it was a cop out, like I didn't want to share a more personal request. And then she said, "But after reading my Bible these last few months, I realize now how important it is to pray for wisdom!" She even gave me a wall hanging with the word "Wisdom" on it!
I don't know about you, but I am in need of God's wisdom on a daily (hourly!) basis. I need it in every relationship I cherish, every decision I make, every disappointment I respond to, and every encouragement I offer to others. How about you? Will you join me in praying for our kids, grandkids, and ourselves to gain more and more of God's wisdom in our lives?
I look forward to interacting with you during your spiritual journey. Please email me to let me know how God is working in and through your life. Your greatest life is just ahead.
In His service,
Laurie Kelley