I recently began reading 2 Chronicles in the Old Testament and was struck by a phrase the Lord says in the first chapter. Solomon, King David’s son, was newly anointed and reigning as the King of Israel. David was beloved by his people, a man after God’s heart, who united the tribes of Israel and expanded the Israeli kingdom through various conquests. Under his leadership, the Israelites had prospered and flourished. Now, this younger and much less experienced Solomon was taking his father’s place, and he had some big shoes to fill.
After offering sacrifices to the Lord in worship, he cried out to God asking for wisdom and knowledge to govern God’s people.
Later that night, the Lord responded to Solomon as a father would speak to a son, with this great affirmation and promise, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12 NLT)
Solomon had been given immense power and with that endless opportunities. The Lord pointed out that Solomon could have sought out many things as king, but above all, he pursued wisdom and knowledge.
In life, there are many things vying for our attention and devotion. We can easily chase after the things the Lord spoke of: wealth, fame, vengeance, long life, etc.. Sure, there is nothing wrong with wanting to optimize our health, financially succeed, or achieve success, but there is an even greater pursuit: the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge… especially when that wisdom is for the benefit of those we have been called to lead, love and serve.
As a parent raising a 3-year old who is exerting her independence and figuring out things like boundaries, regulating emotions, and the importance of a nap, Lord knows I need wisdom.
As a wife committed to loving and supporting my spouse through busy schedules, life transitions, and new challenges and opportunities, Lord knows I need wisdom.
As a Bible teacher wanting to point people to Jesus and help them fall in love with the scriptures in a culture that is increasingly divisive, self-serving, and hypocritical, Lord knows I need wisdom.
As an entrepreneur building a small business navigating the uncharted and ever-changing waters of digital-marketing, AI and financial constraints, Lord knows I need wisdom.
As a woman in my early forties, stepping into perimenopause with shifting hormones, new dietary needs and a changing body composition, Lord knows I need wisdom.
Sure, I could use a vacation, a bit more money in the bank, a couple more hours on any given day, and a great night’s sleep! I’m sure you’d say the same. But what I really need, what you really need, too, is wisdom.
Wisdom from above. The kind of wisdom rooted in love and built on truth. The kind of wisdom that knows how to lead with integrity through storms of life. The kind of wisdom that strengthens relationships, marriages, families, businesses, and churches. The kind of wisdom that brings peace, joy and hope. The kind of wisdom that reveals God’s will and His Kingdom come.
In a day-to-day life filled with mounting responsibilities, distractions, temptations, and unforeseen obstacles, pursuing wisdom and knowledge is a necessity.
But how? How can we take King Solomon’s prayer, and truly make it our own? Here’s eight simple ways to actively pursue wisdom and knowledge in your daily life:
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you.
James 1: 5 (NLT) gives us this promise: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God’s will is always to give you wisdom. You just need to ask! Start your day by simply asking the Lord to lead and guide you. Throughout the day, when you find yourself scratching your head or unsure of what to do in any given situation, pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight and direction.
2. Meditate on Scripture.
Wisdom from above is found in the Bible. Spend time reading and reflecting on God’s Word each and every day. By daily spending time in Scripture, you are renewing your mind to truth and opening your heart to discern God’s voice in your life. I created the seek First Journal to help you consistently spend time reading the Bible, reflecting on it, and praying. You can get yours, here.
3. Hang out with wise people.
How does the saying go? Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. Well, it’s true. Get around people who are wise, and whose decisions and experience reflect someone who is actively following Jesus and building their lives on His teachings. When you spend time with people operating in faith, hope and love; inevitably you become more filled with these positive attributes.
4. Make curiosity consistent.
Never stop learning by developing a daily rhythm of acquiring new knowledge. Simply living your life doesn’t equate to becoming smarter. You have to actively invest in your own continual education. Listen to podcasts, take online courses, join a particular club or team, read books on various topics. Find what works for you, and value your personal development and growth.
5. Let down your defenses.
If you go through life always trying to prove you are right and that you know best, you are going to stunt your own growth. You need feedback, correction, and even the criticism of others to help you identify your blind spots and expand your perspective. In other words, it’s okay to be wrong. It’s healthy to receive coaching. Humility is your friend.
6. Pause and reflect.
Time flies, and if we aren’t intentional we can miss the lessons the Lord wants us to learn from day to day. Carve out a few minutes at either the start of your day or as a part of your evening routine to reflect. Think about the highs and lows of your day. What are you grateful for? What’s challenging? Where do you feel stuck? What is the Lord speaking to you? By slowing down to reflect, we gain greater self-awareness, discernment, and ultimately, the space to invest in our maturity. Not sure what questions to ask yourself? Here’s a recent post I wrote with 5 questions to ask yourself as you unwind from your day.
7. Embrace discomfort.
When something becomes challenging or we experience friction, we have an often hidden gift— an opportunity to grow in our understanding. Is there a co-worker that you can’t seem to communicate well with? That right there is an opportunity to grow in your people skills. Do you find yourself at your wit’s end in response to your child’s defiant behavior? This is an opportunity to learn more about your child’s current developmental stage and tools to help them. Are you in what seems like an impossible situation? Okay now! Your knowledge and understanding of prayer is about to skyrocket! Don’t avoid or run from the discomfort. Ask for the Lord to bring you greater wisdom through it.
8. Try new things.
Sometimes we feel stuck or stagnant in life because we haven’t been a novice at anything in a while. Shake things up in your life by trying something brand new to you, even if it feels a bit humbling or even embarrassing. Take up a new hobby. Go back to school online. Accept a new role at your job that is outside of your expertise. Try a new fitness program. Start baking. Plant a garden. By embracing the beginner’s stage in a particular skill or subject, we rediscover the joy in learning for the sake of learning while broadening our horizons.