19th June. 2020. Daily Devotion.

The difficult days continue and although there are signs of a lessening of the threat from Covid-19, as individuals and as a nation we need wisdom as well as faith to navigate the coming weeks and months safely. Here are some thoughts about wisdom from the scripture< James 3:13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Wisdom is more than intellectual learning or cleverness. It represents a moral quality, the result of a pure and a true life. We are conscious that many simple-minded people, who have little learning from books, are remarkable for sagacious advice, insight into character, the wise reading of events, and intuitive knowledge – all based on the fear of God.
The true wisdom is not the child of the intellect, but of the heart. It consists not only in what we know, but in what we are. It is in this sense that it is used in the earlier chapters of the book of Proverbs and in Job 28. Some who profess to be wise are jealous and factious, despising others and confident in their superiority. This spirit and temper are from beneath.
Notice this exquisite string of qualities that, like a thread of pearls, characterize true wisdom: First, pure, then peaceable – this is God’s order, never peace at any price. First the holy heart, then the quiet and gentle one. Mercy and good works follow, “free from favouritism and insincerity;” and as the peace-loving soul goes through the world, dropping the seeds of peace, those seeds produce harvests of righteousness. Those that in peace sow peace will reap a harvest of righteousness, the fruit of peace. Adapted from Through the Bible Day by Day: A Devotional Commentary by Reverend F.B. Meyer.

Prayers for wisdom and clarity

Father, take me to the place where I am saved from my pride and arrogance and Christ’s humility is centre stage, where I’m lifting up clean hands and a pure heart to You. Take me to the place where I’m no longer looking at the mountains I face, but looking down upon them, where I can see clearly, and my decisions are flooded with Your light, truth and justice. Father, I bend my knee and receive Your truth I open my ears to receive Your counsel I open my heart to receive Your eternal wisdom.

(Pray the same prayer for government and health care leaders).

Lord, may your words be like a lamp that lights my way. May your love be like a compass that gives me direction. May your truth be like a signpost bringing clarity. May your peace be like a measure that guides my decisions. May your hope be like a flag that declares I walk with you. May your words be in my mind, may your love guide my feet, your truth be a sign, your peace be a measure, and your hope be a flag, as I walk close to you at this time. Amen.

God, as I enter your holy place,
I bring into your presence the bewilderment and uncertainty engulfing our world.
As I light a candle of hope,
I pray that my anxiety may soften.
I ask for calm, not only for myself, but for all people.
Give us all a spirit of love and compassion in this time of need,
and for all who are sick, isolated and afraid, embrace them with the assurance of your peace and love. Amen.