Wisdom is essential for a successful life.

Discovering the source of wisdom will give us wisdom for every situation.

 

Beautiful winding road through the woods in spring time - taking the path to Wisdom - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I don’t know about you…but I want to be wise.

People who are wise seem to navigate life more gracefully.

They are the ones we seek out for advice.

Have you noticed how wise people are more thoughtful, less reactionary, and trustworthy?

So how do we get wisdom? 

Here’s what the writer of Psalm 111 had to say…

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Good sense is shown by everyone who follows God’s guiding principles.
His praise continues forever.

Psalm 111:10

It’s pretty clear how we get wisdom.

The source of wisdom is the fear of God.

Once we have wisdom, we grow wiser by obeying God’s commandments.

 

Light Purple Spring Violets Seeking Wisdom Devotional - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I don’t have all the answers…nor will I ever purport such a thing.

But, I’m pretty sure, that you, probably as much as I, want to have wisdom for every situation, yes?

This life is plenty full of challenges.

It seems that everything would go more smoothly if we could be wise in everything we do, think, or say.

 

Jack in the Pulpit Flowers - Devotional on Wisdom for Every Situation - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Fear.

That seems to be the keyword to gaining wisdom.

I have some fears.  You probably do too.

Are you fearful of God?

Here’s the tension….if God is the ultimate loving being…how can we fear him?

Should we?

Well…this verse suggests we should.

 

When I think about God and his awesome glory which is too great for us to even look upon.

When I think of Moses, his face scorched by just the glory of God, we gain more perspective and are even more in awe of God.

This greatness, this holiness, this power, this perfection, this completeness, all of this and more, is God.

God is beyond our wildest imaginings.  At his word, he commands the wind, the waves, the sun, and the moon.  He created all of those things, and this world, and fire, and lightning, and things so wonderful and great and profound.

Except for the fact that we know he loves us… I’m pretty certain we would run and hide from his amazing presence.

 

Maybe this is the fear the psalmist is writing about.

Not just respecting God for his place and position.

But, humbling ourselves before him, face down.

Understanding our weakness in light of his incomparable strength.

Recognizing we are nothing, not even a flea, without him.

But, most of all, grasping the truth that we are truly depraved without his grace and mercy.

And really…we cannot even comprehend this grace or mercy.

 

Woodpecker hollowed tree - Discover Wisdom with this Devotional Meditation - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

What’s the point?

This God who is terrifying in his power and his greatness is worthy of our fear.

And when we get who he really is, this love he has for us is even more unimaginable and beautiful and wonderful.

This, this is the place upon which we draw our life and our strength and our understanding.

It’s the place upon which we filter the world around us so we can make wise choices.

It’s our core.

Strength training experts tell us that our bodies are only as strong as our core.

 

To fear God is to have a strong core.

That strong core gives us wisdom.

To make that strong core even stronger we need to obey God’s commandments.

He has two.

Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

 

Yellow Trout Lily - Helpful Devotional on Discovering Wisdom for Every Situation - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

There’s another side product of fearing God and obeying his commandments.

Can you guess what it is?

Joy.

Joy comes from God.

When we place ourselves fearfully and humbly before God, so much is settled.

Our circumstances might not change.

But, our hearts will change.

They will become tender when we open ourselves to God’s guidance and the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

And there… joy too… takes its place in our core.

 

Want to get wisdom?

Fear God and obey his commandments.

And then this amazing side benefit will overwhelm your spirit…

Joy!

Pin It to remember for Later because it's so good - AnExtraordinaryDay.netWant to be WISE Discover the path to WISDOM. Wisdom is essential for a successful life. Discovering the source of wisdom will give us wisdom for every situation. - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

(Side note… the photos today are from a few years ago about this time.  We haven’t seen a single flower bloom or leaf yet this year.)

 

Tiny Woodland Violets on JoyDay! - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It’s Joy Day!

 

Want more joy?

Join in counting the gifts and blessings from the past week. 

Count the good and the not-so-good.  Because we’re told: “In everything give thanks.”

Count just ‘seven.’

I’ll start!

I’m thankful…

  1. that we didn’t get the inch of ice that was forecast.
  2. for an incredible lunch to celebrate my good friend’s birthday.
  3. Lord, that you have shown us how to become wise.
  4. for a break in the schedule at the workshop.
  5. Lord, that you are my healer and for the direction and new path you’ve given me.
  6. that You have plans for my life… plans to prosper me and give me a hope and a future.
  7. Lord, for your love and faithfulness, encouragement, and direction.

Now it’s your turn!

Scroll down to “Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts” below and tap in your ‘seven.’  When you take time to give thanks, something happens and your joy-meter will soar.  I dare you to try it!!

Before you go… would you answer this question for me, please?

When it comes to your spiritual life… what’s your biggest struggle?

Thank you for stopping by and taking time to leave your sweet thoughts.

May your week overflow with unimaginable Joy! Signature - AnExtraordinaryDay.netReceive FREE inspiration like this in your inbox!
Sign up Now

If you found this post helpful….please pass it on to your friends.

Comments

  1. Minnie says

    Happy Joy Day!
    Pretty pictures as always, even if they are a little old. Spring hasn’t really made its way to my house yet either.
    Lord this week I am thankful for,
    1. Heart warming talks with my dad.
    2. Spring is getting closer, just taking its time.
    3. The lovely doves that live in my tree.
    4. The beautiful sunset we had tonight.
    5. Music that is so touching it makes me cry.
    6. Your love, forgiveness, peace and strength.
    7. Everyone was so busy this weekend and returned home safely.
    Now as to your question….My biggest struggle in my spiritual life is, Why. Why do some things happen. Why are some people allowed to do such harm to innocent life. To harm or kill just because they want to. I heard something horrific on the news years ago and it truly gave me struggles in my faith and even belief in God. I do not have that struggle in my Belief now but I am always fighting the WHY of it. Yes I do understand we as humans have choice between good and evil but WHY is such evil allowed to exist. Only God can give me the answer that will satisfy my heart and I’m sure someday he will.
    Have a wonderful week my friend.
    Blessings to you!
    Minnie

    • Diane says

      Minnie, I’m so thankful that you have these wonderful chats with your dad. My dad was 55 when I was born and went home 24 years ago. I loved sitting and talking with him. Actually just being with him. That love between a father and a daughter is such a treasure. I’m so glad you’re cherishing those time together even if they are by phone.
      What a crazy spring… it’s snowed like crazy on and off here this morning. But… I checked ahead and next week it looks like we’ll hit 50 and then we’re on our way to warmth and GREEN. Spring is my FAVORITE season, hence my disappointment.
      Thank you for sharing your biggest struggle. That is a really good question. A few weeks ago I was listening to a pastor talk about that very thing. I was sure I would remember his thoughts… but I didn’t. 😉 You’re right, though, we will never really know until God tells us and then maybe we won’t even think to ask.
      May your week overflow with God’s love and JOY!!

Please Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts!

*

AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.