Be Wise, Line Up With God's Will

April 16, 2021

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

~Ephesians 5:15‭-‬16~

Walking in wisdom can seem hard when we try and put our own carnal minds towards figuring out how. God is calling us to become wise in His Spirit so that we can discern the times and what He is calling us to do and say day by day. There are different things He has for us to fulfill each day for Him; whether it be intercession prayer, laying hands, hospitality for a person or people, helping a family out, doing chores around the house or just plain resting up. God calls us to do specific things for specific times, but it is up to us to tap into His connection and faithfully listen. "Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth." (Proverbs 7:24)

If we are choosing to crowd our minds with "worldly wisdom" rather then slowing down in our own flesh and hearing the Spirit direct us, we may just be doing things we are not supposed to be or doing them too soon. There is a time and a place for every matter.

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven."

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

I highly recommend reading the rest of this leading to verse 8; it is one that reminds me why I wait when people ask me to go, why I act when they are not yet prepared or why I am silent when others are wanting me to speak. This is out of pure obedience to the Holy Spirit's voice; as I listen everything works out perfectly as it should, it takes sacrifice, patience and trust in Jesus. God has the perfect understanding of what is to come, it is our job to be wise in the seasons as we listen for His instruction. The days are evil, Paul says, therefore we must be aware and wise as children of God. How do we acheive God's wisdom? Simply ask. Make yourself available, be willing and be patient. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

(Matthew 7:11)

When we make time for Him, He is waiting to shower us with the desires of our hearts.

How did Solomon receive his wisdom? He simply asked for it; "Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king— wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.” (II Chronicles 1:11‭-‬12)

Solomon did not ask for riches or honor, rather he asked for knowledge and wisdom and because God was so pleased with Solomon's motives He gave Solomon the rest as well. The wisest thing we can do is have the right motives for our wishes. God measures the heart. "The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord , Searching all the inner depths of his heart." (Proverbs 20:27)

Let us turn our lamps on and tap into God's Spirit to receive understanding to move in His time. The word circumspect was borrowed from Latin circumspectus, from circumspicere, "to be cautious." The basic meaning of Latin circumspicere is "to look around." Paul is telling us to keep watch and on guard and make the right moves in such a way that honors only God. If we are working out of our own desires, without praying on it, we lack obedience and trust in God Almighty.

Many times in the bible God's people had no choice to be patient and wait on God's perfect timing; most times waiting years for their prayers to fall through. Its all for His glory. "The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory."

(Isaiah 60:19)

We cannot rely on the carnal and expect Godly outcome. We must be wise. God is waiting to train up those who may have fallen asleep in their own selfish motives for seeing glory. He is asking His children to be wise in His wisdom. Keep praying to Him and putting our hearts to the task at hand to glorify His great Name. If we do not, we are very much so turning our backs on Him, assuming we can take control ourselves. "For our fathers have trespassed and done evil in the eyes of the Lord our God; they have forsaken Him, have turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the Lord , and turned their backs on Him." (II Chronicles 29:6)

If we appear to not be attempting to awaken, God may very well wake us up on His own. This we may not like. Typically God's wake up call is not an easy one, I know this first hand. However, what a blessing it has been! We can appreciate the many gifts of the Spirit the Lord gives to us as we are willing to use for His glory. We can open ourselves up more in word and in deed, redeeming the time, for the days are very much so evil. We need God to direct us, we cannot direct ourselves.

Prayer:

Gracious Adonai, thank you for great joy as I receive the wisdom and knowledge You have granted me. I know that at times this may bring sorrow, but for Your glory it is all worth it to me. I am asking Lord for more wisdom and I pray to move only as the Spirit leads me to. I know only You control the way to go and what to say to whoever You place in front of me. I do not wish to ever rely on my own carnal mind. I rebuke all fleshly and emotionally led desires and take on only Your Spirit. I worship thee on High who is always with me, in the heavenlies battling day by day in this fallen world all for the glory of God! I give thanks and praises to Your Holy Name and I declare to be wise as Your adopted holy child. Lead me into all righteousness as I follow along the path You laid out for me during the foundations of this world. It is in Your Power filled Name I receive an increase knowledge and wisdom today, Jesus Christ my High Priest. Amen.