Devotion by Melissa Bergeson
“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
If you’re like me and have spent years in the church, you probably recognize this verse in James. But have you ever slowed down long enough to see how it connects to the story of Jesus coming to earth?
Let’s go back to our Advent verse, more than 700 years before Christ.
“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Isaiah spoke these words to God’s people as they walked through a dark, heavy moment in their history. They were spiritually stumbling, threatened by Assyria, and tasting the weight of their own rebellion. Yet into that darkness came a promise—a Savior who would shine like light breaking in. One of His names would be Wonderful Counselor.
We read those words now with such familiarity that we can miss their depth. “Wonderful” in English sounds pleasant or sweet, but the Hebrew word peli means something far more staggering—it is defined as “something beyond our ability to fully comprehend.”
The New Testament shows this wonder in the life of Jesus: conceived of a virgin, healing sickness, teaching with unmatched authority, resisting temptation, loving His enemies, and walking in perfect holiness.
And this Savior doesn’t just inspire wonder—He guides. His counsel is rooted in divine wisdom. He knows what is in us (John 2:25). In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). And He invites us to come. James tells us He gives wisdom freely, generously, without hesitation.
We don’t have to rely on our own understanding ever again!
“There is a better way. It is to repudiate (abandon) our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God.” – A. W. Tozer
Reflect:
– What do you need to surrender to God’s wisdom today?
– How can you set your heart on trusting His guidance?
Pray:
Lord, help us release our reliance on ourselves and turn to You for the wisdom You give so generously. Amen.