6 Steps for Thriving in God's Wisdom
Sis, in a world filled with endless distractions and conflicting messages, it can be challenging to discern the path that leads to true fulfillment and success. As God’s child, He calls you to exercise discernment when making decisions. This is not an easy task, but it is essential for seeking God's direction in making the right choices. Discernment is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, good and evil. It is a gift that comes from God which needs to be nurtured and developed.
Thankfully, God's Word provides a blueprint for navigating life with wisdom and grace. In this blog post, I explore six practical steps that can help you thrive in God's wisdom, drawing inspiration from biblical principles and offering actionable tips to incorporate into your daily life. Read, write down the steps, leave a comment, and share the blog with another sis.
1
Seek God's Wisdom Through Prayer and Study
As you embark on your journey to thrive in God's wisdom, you must start by seeking Him earnestly through prayer and study. It is through prayer that you communicate with God, and it is through studying His Word that you learn about His character and His will for your life. Proverbs 2:6 says, "The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Carve out dedicated time each day to commune with God, seeking His guidance and insight. Cultivate a habit of reading and meditating on Scripture, allowing God's Word to shape your thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows you to connect with God and seek His guidance and insight. Start your day with prayer and invite the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you throughout the day. You can lift up your worries, concerns, and fears to Him and trust that He will provide you with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
You can also use prayer to express your gratitude for all that God has done for you. Gratitude is a powerful attitude that can shift your focus from your problems to God's goodness and faithfulness. When you acknowledge the blessings in your life, you open yourself up to receive more from God.
It is essential to meditate on Scripture and allow it to shape your thoughts, decisions, and actions. When you read the Bible, you should ask yourself, "What is God saying to me?" and "How does this apply to my life?" You can also use resources such as commentaries and Bible dictionaries to help you gain a deeper understanding of the text.
Practical Tip: Set aside a specific time and place for daily prayer and Bible study. Consider using devotionals or Bible reading plans to help you stay focused and provide structure to your study time.
2
Surround Yourself with Godly Influences
The company you keep plays a significant role in shaping your thoughts and actions. Proverbs 13:20 advises, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." To thrive in God's wisdom, it is important to surround yourself with godly influences. Your companions can often shape your thoughts and actions, and you must choose them wisely. The people you spend time with can either help you grow in God's wisdom or lead you astray.
One powerful way to surround yourself with godly influences is to seek out relationships with fellow believers who are committed to living according to God's Word. These relationships can provide support and encouragement as you strive to live according to biblical values. Engaging in fellowship, joining a small group, or participating in Bible studies allows you to connect with other believers, share your struggles, and receive guidance and wisdom.
Moreover, finding a mentor or accountability partner can be especially helpful if you are seeking to grow in your faith. A mentor can offer wisdom, guidance, and support, helping you navigate challenging situations and offering insights into God's plan for your life. An accountability partner can help you stay on track with your spiritual goals, providing encouragement and holding you accountable when you fall short.
Seek out relationships with fellow believers who are committed to living according to God's Word. Engage in fellowship, join a small group, or participate in Bible studies to encourage one another in your spiritual journeys.
Practical Tip: Consider finding a mentor or accountability partner who can offer guidance and support as you seek to grow in wisdom. Additionally, limit your exposure to negative influences in media and entertainment, choosing instead to focus on content that aligns with biblical values.
3
Cultivate a Teachable Heart
In order to thrive in God's wisdom, you must cultivate a teachable heart. This means being open to learning from others and being willing to accept feedback in order to continue growing and developing as a person and as a Christian.
One of the most important things you can do to cultivate a teachable heart is to seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, and life coaches. These individuals can provide you with valuable insights into your attitudes and behavior that you may not be able to see for yourself. But don't just seek feedback - be receptive to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth. Try to see each critique as a chance to improve an become even better than you already are.
Another important aspect of cultivating a teachable heart is regularly evaluating your attitudes and actions. This involves being honest with yourself about areas in which you may be struggling, and inviting the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in need of refinement. Don't be afraid to admit when you're wrong, and don't be too proud to ask for help when you need it.
Remember, learning is a lifelong process and there is always more to discover about God and His ways. So embrace a posture of lifelong learning and continue to seek out opportunities to grow and develop as a person and as a Christian. With God's help and the guidance of wise mentors and friends, you can cultivate a heart that is teachable, humble, and open to growth.
Practical Tip: Seek feedback from trusted friends and mentors. Be receptive to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth. Regularly evaluate your attitudes and actions, inviting the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in need of refinement.
4
Exercise Discernment in Decision-Making
To exercise discernment, first pray and seek God's guidance. James 1:5 assures that you can ask God for wisdom, and He will generously give it. Trust that God is faithful and will provide the understanding you need to make wise decisions. Take time to pause and reflect on your options, listen for God's voice and take counsel from wise Christians.
It is also crucial to weigh the options against biblical principles. Seek out scripture that relates to your decision-making process and consider how it aligns with God's Word. As a daughter of Christ, you are called to live in obedience to His commands. Therefore, your decisions should reflect the biblical principles. This means taking the time to understand what the Bible says about the situation at hand.
Finally, create a pros and cons list. This exercise helps you evaluate potential outcomes and weigh them against biblical principles. You might consider potential benefits and risks, including long-term consequences. This list can help you focus on what truly matters and ensure that your decisions align with God's will.
Practical Tip: When making decisions, create a pros and cons list, considering the potential outcomes and how they align with God's Word. Take time to pause and seek God's direction before rushing into hasty decisions.
5
Practice Self-Control and Emotional Intelligence
In my 30+ years of walking with God, I’ve learned through trial and error that thriving in God's wisdom requires self-control and emotional intelligence. One of the most important aspects of thriving in God's wisdom is developing the ability to manage your emotions and respond to challenging situations with grace and wisdom. Proverbs 29:11 reminds us that "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end." You must strive to be a woman who brings calmness and wisdom to any situation. This requires self-control and emotional intelligence.
Self-control is one of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is the ability to restrain our impulses and manage your emotions. When you practice self-control, you can make wise decisions instead of reacting impulsively. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop self-control so that you can respond to challenging situations with grace and wisdom.
Emotional intelligence is another skill that you can strive to develop. Emotional intelligence involves managing your emotions, understanding and empathizing with others' emotions, and communicating effectively. By developing emotional intelligence, you can build stronger relationships and better handle difficult situations.
Practical Tips for Practicing Self-Control and Emotional Intelligence
There are several practical steps you can take to develop your self-control and emotional intelligence:
Incorporate mindfulness exercises, deep breathing techniques, or journaling into your daily routine to help manage stress and foster emotional well-being.
Practice active listening and empathy in your interactions with others, seeking to understand their perspectives and respond with kindness and wisdom.
Take a pause before reacting to a situation with strong emotions. Allow yourself to process your emotions and respond in a calm, thoughtful manner.
Identify any triggers that may cause you to react emotionally and work on managing them.
Pray daily for the Holy Spirit to help you develop self-control and emotional intelligence.
Sis, I encourage you to embrace self-control and emotional intelligence as essential skills for thriving in God's wisdom. Practice these skills daily, and with time and effort, you will become a woman who brings calmness and wisdom to any situation you face.
6
Walk in Obedience and Trust God's Plan
Walking in obedience means taking intentional steps towards God's plan, even when it may be uncomfortable or challenging. It requires that you surrender your own desires and preferences to His greater purpose, trusting that His ways are always better than your own.
In order to do this, you need to stay connected to His word and seek His guidance through prayer and meditation. You to have also surround yourself with other believers who can support and encourage you in your journey of faith.
Trusting God's plan may not always be easy, especially when you face unexpected obstacles or delays. However, you can find comfort and strength in knowing that He is always faithful to fulfill His promises and lead you towards His perfect will. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
So, as you walk in obedience and trust, rest assured that God will direct your path and guide you toward His greatest blessings. Choose to put your faith in Him today and every day, knowing that His plans for you are far greater than you could ever imagine.
Practical Tip: Reflect on past instances where God's wisdom and guidance were evident in your life. Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of His faithfulness and provision. Pray for the strength to surrender your will to His and trust in His perfect timing.
Keep Thriving for God’s Wisdom
Sis, you have the incredible privilege of accessing God's wisdom to guide your life. May you commit to seeking Him wholeheartedly, cultivating godly influences, and practicing discernment, self-control, and trust. Embrace the journey of growing in wisdom, knowing that God desires to bless and lead us as we navigate life's challenges. Together, let us thrive in God's wisdom, shining as beacons of light in a world in desperate need of His guidance and grace.
Remember, thriving in God's wisdom is a lifelong pursuit, and each step taken brings us closer to the abundant life He has planned for us. Let us encourage one another on this journey, always leaning on the strength and guidance of our Heavenly Father. May His wisdom continue to shape and transform our lives, enabling us to live as radiant reflections of His love and grace.
Live with purpose today.
Your Sis in Christ,
Brenda
