Sometime ago, my son, John, and I were in our kitchen chatting, when he began describing some stomach problems he had begun experiencing recently. I listened intently as he spoke about his symptoms, hoping to provide him with some answers. But the truth was that I was mystified. I told him that we should pray for God's wisdom, and ask Him what might be causing the problem. Immediately, I whispered a silent plea--"Lord, show us why John is having these stomach problems, and what we should do about it." A few moments later, my son reached into the refrigerator to get himself a drink of cold water, and then asked if we had any lemons. When I asked why, he said that he had recently begun drinking water with lemon, and he really enjoyed it. All of a sudden, I remembered how growing up, my son had to avoid citrus juices, because they irritated his stomach and made him ill. I suggested that he drink his water plain for a while, to see if it made a difference. Sure enough, John's unpleasant symptoms disappeared as soon as he stopped adding lemon to his water.

Years ago, I heard a powerful man of God teaching on the subject of healing. He said, "Before you pray for healing, pray for wisdom." He went on to quote Proverbs 4:7 (NIV), which says: "Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." His words made such an impression on me that, from then on, whenever I had a healing need, the first thing I would do is ask for God's wisdom in the matter. Sometimes, the Lord's answer would be something as simple as, "You're drinking too much coffee," or, "You need to change your position when you're sitting at your computer." Other times, God would lead me to see a doctor, or to change doctors. Eventually, I began applying this principal to other areas of my life, and other needs that arose. When I had financial problems, I didn't just ask God to increase my finances, but I asked Him to give me divine wisdom to apply to my situation. And many times, it made all the difference. If I was experiencing a relationship problem, I'd ask the Lord for godly wisdom to know how to respond. Very often, He'd show me an effective strategy to employ that never would have occurred to me, had I not sought His help.

Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG) says: "Call to Me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own." When a need arises, the very first thing we should do is call on God. Unfortunately, when most of us have a problem, we're more likely to run to the phone than the throne. It's not wrong for us to share our troubles with trusted loved ones, but it IS wrong to leave God out of the equation, or to turn to Him as a last resort.

Some believers fail to seek the Lord first in a situation because they don't feel confident about hearing His voice. They feel like all they get is spiritual "static," instead of a clear signal from God. Usually, these people need to tune into the Lord's channel--"W-O-R-D." As we read, study, memorize, and meditate on God's Word, we become more sensitive and obedient to His Spirit's leading, and we find ourselves being more and more blessed.

James 1:5 (NIV) says: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Throughout the pages of the Bible, we see the Lord inviting us to call upon Him for divine wisdom. Whatever your need may be today, I encourage you to take God up on His gracious offer, and turn to Him for the wisdom you need to receive all the good things He has in store for you!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for all of Your precious promises for wisdom. I ask that You do a new and mighty work in my heart today, so that my automatic response to a need will be to turn to You for guidance and help. Teach me to regularly soak in Your Word, so that I may become more attuned to Your voice. Thank You that as I make seeking Your wisdom a priority in my life, I won't have to miss out on Your best for me!