God’s Promise and Scripture

God’s Promise: God promises to give us wisdom when we ask Him.

Scripture: If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5)

Devotional

The Christmas season provides a beautiful opportunity for both joy and reflection—not only on the divine yet humble birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, but also on God’s faithfulness throughout the year. It’s a time to pause and remember how He has fulfilled His promises, sustained us through change, and satisfied our souls with more of Himself. As my husband and I prayed and reflected on which of God’s promises had been most meaningful to us this year, we were drawn to this one: “God promises to give us wisdom when we ask Him” (James 1:5). Although we have only been married for two and a half years, the Lord has already blessed us with both transitions and trials that have required us to seek His wisdom rather than rely on the world’s advice.

When we looked back, we saw how God’s wisdom had quietly guided our steps—through big milestones and small mercies that, as Ruth 2:3 says, “just so happened” to bring us together and unite our lives in marriage. We both moved to North Texas from out of state (Ryan from California and I from Alabama) just before and during COVID; we met at The Table (young adults—there’s hope, I promise!); we dated and prepared for marriage with all the spiritual growth that comes with it; we joined Onward and found community that holds us accountable; we faced career changes that stretched us; and we continue to pray about the future—where to plant roots, when to start a family, and how to remain faithful to God’s calling, allowing Scripture to continually shape our biblical worldview.

Through every decision and season, we have clung to God’s promise in James 1:5 and found it to be endlessly true: He gives wisdom generously. You can never out-ask Him. His supply never runs dry. True wisdom is a gift from God—leading us not merely to good decisions, but to salvation and everlasting joy. The verses surrounding James 1:5 remind us that wisdom is often sought in times of testing and trial, when our faith is being refined. Yet, while that’s true, wisdom is also cultivated in the quiet, daily rhythms of life. It grows as we spend time in God’s Word, whisper prayers throughout the day, and walk in small acts of obedience that may seem insignificant—but over time, reveal the faithful work of His hand.

To seek wisdom daily, Scripture invites us to:

Prize Wisdom — Treasure it as a precious gift from God (Proverbs 4:8).

Pursue Wisdom Diligently — Seek it earnestly, as one would search for hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:2, 4–5).

Look for Wisdom in God’s Word — The Scriptures are our clearest source of divine insight (Psalm 19:7).

Walk with the Wise — Surround yourself with godly people who reflect God’s truth (Proverbs 13:20).

Live with Eternity in View — Remember the brevity of life and the eternal perspective that gives true wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

And while all of these are essential, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to give wisdom is found in Christ Jesus: “In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 1:16–17; 2:3). Ultimately, what our hearts truly need is more of Him. He is the one who shapes our hearts to reflect His. He is the source and fullness of divine understanding, and through the Holy Spirit, we have direct access to this wisdom. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the ultimate display of God’s wisdom—bringing righteousness, sanctification, and redemption to all who believe.

The Christmas story itself is a picture of divine wisdom at work in unexpected ways. The world anticipated a conquering king, but God sent a humble baby in a manger. What seemed small and ordinary became the greatest act of love and redemption in history. God’s wisdom often looks different from what the world expects—but it is always perfect, always purposeful, and always good.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How do you respond when God’s wisdom looks different from what you expect?

2. Looking forward to the next year, what decisions or areas of life will you commit to seeking God’s wisdom first?

3. How is Scripture shaping your worldview and influencing your choices?