Elegant Themes Blog

Ed Young Devotionals

    What's in a Name?

    Posted on Apr 10, 2018 12:00:00 AM

    Read

    Psalm 14:1,  "The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'" 2 Chronicles 1:7-8, 10,  "That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.'  Solomon answered God,... ‘Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?'"

    Think

    "Humble yourself before God to receive his wisdom." How would you like for your name to be the very definition of "fool"?  Sadly, this was the case of one man we find in the Old Testament-Nabal.  Nabal was an arrogant, prideful, and belligerent man who lived up to the definition of his name – fool.  Unfortunately, that is how he will always be remembered. But what if your name could be forever associated with wisdom instead? This is the case for another man we find in the Old Testament-Solomon.  After Jesus, Solomon is considered the wisest man to ever walk the earth. But, he wasn't born with wisdom. As we read today, when Solomon became king, God told him to ask for anything he wanted. Solomon didn't ask for power, possession, or prestige, as many people would. Rather, he asked for wisdom. What a contrast from Nabal! Wisdom is something we should all strive for. However, many times pride causes us to play the fool and prevents us from receiving it. Solomon's example shows us that if we humble ourselves and ask for wisdom, God will give it to us. Recognizing and admitting that we do not have all the answers brings us to a place of humility before the one who does have all the answers-our heavenly Father.  Humble yourself and ask God for the wisdom you need in every situation.  God will give it to you.

    Act

    The best way to get God's wisdom is to know his word and meditate on it. Set a goal to memorize one verse this week.  Here are some suggestions: Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 3:5, John 10:10.

    Pray

    Jesus, thank you for being the source of wisdom that I need every day. I know that I don't even begin to have all the answers to the issues of life. Please give me the wisdom that only you can give me to live a life pleasing to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    Topics: wisdom