Seeking Wisdom

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord - Proverbs 21:30

I often get anxious when I think about my future. I plan out every detail of my next few weeks, months, and even years in hopes that having my life events laid out in a detailed structure will take away this burden of worry. The truth is, I frequently fail to succeed in completing all of these endeavors I set out to accomplish and I still end up stressed. Not only this, but I also fail to look for guidance from the one and only reliable source: God.

This verse from Proverbs is a simple but crucial reminder that there is “NO wisdom, NO insight, NO plan” that has any justification or dependability if it is not in alignment with the will of God. The book of Proverbs as a whole is also a great reminder that God provides wisdom and assistance with navigating our daily lives and our future. The issue I often face is that my planning and future-focused thinking are often fueled by my overconfidence that my plans are wiser than God’s. I try to maintain control because I believe that when I plan things myself, it will turn out better and I will achieve everything I want and be happy throughout the process. Sadly, this is never the case when I attempt this solo without utilizing the wisdom from scripture and the gospels.

Below is a prayer taken from Psalm 119:33-40, which I use as a guided prayer when I fall into this trap of pursuing my own self-guided ways. In alignment with this theme of wisdom, I encourage you to focus on how this prayer directs you to rely on God’s wisdom and teachings rather than your own understanding.

Psalm 119:33-40

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,

that I may follow it to the end.

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law

and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,

for there I find delight.

Turn my heart toward your statutes

and not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant,

so that you may be feared.

Take away the disgrace I dread,

for your laws are good.

How I long for your precepts!

In your righteousness preserve my life.

Amen