Daily Devotions – Godly Wisdom

Daily Devotions – Godly Wisdom

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Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 (NIV)
Wisdom Is Meaningless
12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! 14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 15 What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted. 16 I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. 18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

 

Where ‘under heaven’ have you searched for wisdom?

 

Lord, when I was young, I thought I knew it all. As years passed, I realized that I really wasn’t as wise as I thought I was. I worked hard at obtaining worldly wisdom. I went back to college, went to any seminar I could, read lots of books, and imitated people who I thought were successful. I was seeking worldly wisdom which tends to be self-centered and focused on status, possessions, and accomplishments. Worldly wisdom creates pride, jealousy, and selfish ambitions, and worldly wisdom is used against others. After I submitted my life to You, I dramatically shifted to a search for Godly wisdom. I had an unquenchable thirst for Your Word, books, radio programs, and music about You. Your wisdom is innocent, gentle, reasonable, peace-loving, impartial, and sincere. It is full of mercy and willing to yield to others. It leads to godliness and peaceful relationships with others. It redirected my life and I am so thankful to Your Holy Spirit who communicates to me through my spirit and inner conscience. Now I grow in wisdom through prayer and quiet time where I can listen to You. You give me an “inner knowing” and plant insights into my mind. I now yearn for Your wisdom and desire to help others gain wisdom from You. Life is the result of the choices we make. I am so sorry that I have made so many wrong choices in my life. But through Your wisdom, I have redirected the focus of my life to ensure that my choices come together to end up at the narrow gate of eternal life. I seek Your wisdom and guidance and trust that You will show me the way.  Amen