Rediscovering True Wisdom - Pt 3
A Three Part Series
Part 3: Practical Steps to Biblical Meditation
Hello, dear friends. Welcome to the final part of our three-part series on rediscovering true wisdom. Today, we will transition from understanding these concepts to incorporating divine wisdom into our daily lives through Biblical Meditation. But before we do, let’s quickly recap what we have learned through our time in Genesis 3.
Recap of Part 1 and Part 2
In Part 1, we delved into the story of the fall in Genesis 3, where the serpent's deception led Adam and Eve to seek wisdom and fulfillment apart from God. This act resulted in a shift from a God-centered to a self-centered focus, bringing fear, shame, and separation from God. We learned that true wisdom begins with reverence for the Lord, as echoed in Proverbs 9:10.
In Part 2, we discussed the ongoing struggle for fulfillment in today's world. Many people chase after career success, financial stability, and personal achievements, only to find these pursuits leave them feeling empty. Solomon’s life serves as a powerful example—initially blessed with divine wisdom, he later turned to worldly pursuits, which led to his downfall. Matthew 16:26 reminds us, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" True fulfillment is found only through a relationship with God.
Understanding Godly Wisdom
Before we delve into practical steps for incorporating divine wisdom into our lives, it is crucial to understand what God's wisdom looks like according to Scripture. Worldly wisdom often emphasizes self-reliance, material success, and personal achievement. In contrast, Godly wisdom is characterized by humility, purity, peace, and a deep connection with the Lord.
1. The Source of Wisdom
The Bible consistently points to God as the ultimate source of wisdom. James 1:5 encourages us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (ESV). This verse highlights that true wisdom comes from God and is freely given to those who seek it.
Proverbs 2:6 further reinforces this, stating, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." God is the wellspring of wisdom, and His words provide knowledge and insight beyond human comprehension.
2. Attributes of Godly Wisdom
James 3:17 provides a comprehensive description of the qualities of divine wisdom: "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." Let’s break down these attributes:
Pure: Godly wisdom is free from moral impurity or sin. It seeks holiness and righteousness.
Peaceable: It promotes peace and reconciliation rather than conflict or strife.
Gentle: It is considerate and kind, not harsh or aggressive.
Open to Reason: It is willing to listen and consider others’ perspectives.
Full of Mercy and Good Fruits: It demonstrates compassion and produces good deeds.
Impartial: It is fair and just, without favoritism.
Sincere: It is genuine and honest, without hypocrisy.
3. The Fear of the Lord
A recurring theme in the Bible is that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." This reverence and awe of God cultivate a mindset that seeks to honor Him in all aspects of life.
4. Wisdom in Christ
The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ embodies the fullness of God’s wisdom. Colossians 2:2-3 speaks of Christ, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." To seek wisdom is to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, who perfectly represents God’s wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:30 declares, "And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption." In Christ, we find the embodiment of Godly wisdom, leading us to righteousness and redemption.
5. Living Out Godly Wisdom
Proverbs 3:5-6 offers practical advice on living according to God’s wisdom: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." This passage emphasizes trusting God over our understanding and acknowledging Him in all aspects of life.
6. Wisdom and Humility
Humility is a cornerstone of Godly wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 states, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." Recognizing our limitations and dependence on God is essential for true wisdom.
Practical Steps to Biblical Meditation
Transitioning from understanding the contrast between worldly and divine wisdom, it is essential to know how to incorporate this divine wisdom into our daily lives. Biblical meditation offers a practical approach to fostering a deeper relationship with God and aligning our lives with His wisdom. Here are some practical steps to help you engage in Biblical meditation effectively:
Seek God's Guidance Through Prayer
Prayer is foundational for cultivating a relationship with God and seeking His wisdom. James 1:5 encourages us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (ESV). Through prayer, we communicate with God, express our needs, and listen for His guidance.
How can we seek God’s guidance through prayer?
Set a Specific Time: Dedicate a specific time each day for prayer to establish a routine and prioritize time with God.
Create a Quiet Space: Find a quiet place to pray without distractions.
Use a Prayer Journal: Write down your prayers, thoughts, and insights to track your spiritual journey and reflect on God's faithfulness.
Incorporate Different Forms of Prayer: Use the ACTS model (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) to structure your prayers for a balanced and comprehensive prayer life.
Addressing Mental Health: Remember, seeking God's guidance through prayer is a vital part of our spiritual health, but it is also important to seek professional help for mental health challenges. Combining prayer with therapy, medication, and a supportive community can lead to holistic healing.
Meditate on Scripture Using Verse Mapping
Biblical meditation involves deep reflection and application of Scripture. Psalm 1:2 states, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night" (ESV). Verse mapping is an effective method to dive deeper into scripture.
How do you verse map?
Choose a Verse: Pick a verse that stands out to you or that you want to meditate on. Choose two or three translations to help you see it from various perspectives.
Read and Reflect: Read the verse and the surrounding passage to provide context for your notes. Pray and ask God to open your mind.
Cross-Reference: Look up references for your verse in your Bible or another resource, such as the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Write out the verses or references that are helpful.
Keywords: Lookup keywords or words you don't understand, as well as repeated phrases and words.
Look Up Meanings: Look up the Hebrew or Greek meanings of those key words and phrases, and write down definitions, synonyms, and root words. This can help you understand the underlying meaning behind the English translation.
Put It into Action: Turn the passage into a prayer or thank God for His wisdom and mercy.
Practice Humility and Dependence on God
This is where the rubber meets the road. Humility is essential for receiving God's wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (ESV).
So how do we maintain humility and dependence on God?
Regular Self-Examination: Engage in regular self-examination to identify areas of pride and self-reliance.
Daily Affirmations of Trust: Start your day with affirmations that acknowledge your dependence on God.
Seek Accountability: Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor for support and encouragement.
Celebrate God's Faithfulness: Keep a gratitude journal to note how God has guided and provided for you.
Engage in Worship and Community
Worship and community play crucial roles in spiritual growth. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another" (NIV).
So how can we practice worship and community?
Regular Attendance: Commit to regular attendance at worship services for spiritual nourishment.
Join Small Groups: Participate in small groups or Bible studies for deeper connections and personalized support.
Serve Others: Find ways to serve within your community to reflect God's love and strengthen your faith.
Personal Worship: Engage in personal worship through music, art, or other creative expressions.
Mental Health Support: Engaging in community and worship can provide emotional and spiritual support for those facing mental health challenges. It's essential to also seek professional help and use medication as needed. Balancing faith, therapy, and medical treatment can help navigate through difficult times.
Special Note: If you are suffering from any mental health issues, please seek guidance from a mental health professional. Balancing faith, therapy, medication, and a supportive community is essential for holistic healing. Remember, seeking help both in God and in the people He has equipped to help is a sign of strength and wisdom.
Reflect on God's Attributes
Reflecting on God's attributes helps deepen our relationship with Him. Contemplating His love, mercy, and faithfulness brings comfort and assurance. Psalm 145:5 says, "They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works" (NIV).
How do I reflect on God’s attributes?
Focus on One Attribute at a Time: Choose an attribute of God to focus on each week or month.
Incorporate Reflections into Prayers: Include reflections on God's attributes in your prayers.
Journal Your Insights: Keep a journal of your reflections and insights about God's attributes.
Apply God's Word to Your Life
Living out Biblical principles is crucial for a transformed life. James 1:22 encourages us to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (ESV). Applying God's word demonstrates our commitment to His teachings and allows His wisdom to shape our lives.
Practical Tips for Setting and Reviewing Goals to Apply Scripture in Daily Life:
Identify Specific Areas for Growth: Recognize areas in your life where you need to apply Biblical principles.
Set Tangible Goals: Establish specific, measurable goals for implementing these principles.
Regularly Review and Adjust: Periodically review your goals and progress.
Seek Support and Accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend or mentor.
By incorporating these practical steps into your daily life, you can cultivate a deeper relationship with God, align your actions with His wisdom, and experience the transformative power of Biblical meditation. This approach provides a pathway to lasting peace, fulfillment, and a deeper understanding of your identity in Christ.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, let’s continue to seek true fulfillment in the wisdom that comes from God alone, remembering Solomon’s lessons and the scripture’s timeless truths. If you would like to join us in some of our studies, you can do so via our Community Study Plan.
Have a beautiful day in the Lord!
Love in Christ Alone,
Rebecca
