Friday, May 18: Job 32- Open to God's wisdom.

A new voice enters the mix. Apparently Elihu has been seated quietly listening to the two sides spar. And Elihu is not impressed with either side; he is especially disappointed in the friends because they couldn't refute Job.

This chapter was Elihu's justification that he, a younger man, could now speak. In the middle of his opening I found some words to chew on.

But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right (8-9).

The truth of these words project off the page. I have beheld this first hand. I have met younger ones who are wise and older ones who are foolish and everything in between. It is particularly delightful when age and wisdom combine… spiritual wisdom, wisdom of years, and years of maturity are a beautiful sight.

But as Elihu says, it is the breath of the Almighty that gives understanding and wisdom. SO what can we do to gain understanding and wisdom born of the breath of the Almighty?

On the one hand it is gift… God gives as He wills. But on the other we can place ourselves in the best place and frame of mind to be open to God's wisdom. It is here that I ponder. What can I do to place myself in the best stead to receive God's wisdom and understanding?

Hmmm… I can seek it, humbly seek it. And what does this mean?

1) Remembering our place; God is God and we are not. We sit at God's feet listening and learning.

2) Paying attention to what God has spoken. Reading and studying God's Word, the Bible, to understand not only its content, but its author, the Lord God Almighty.

3) Conforming ourselves to the will and way God presents in His Word. This is certainly tied in with #1 but in my mind moves beyond #1. This is more than a matter of the heart (humility), it is conformity –recognizing God's way as the correct way and bowing to it.

4) Giving time and attention. Absorbing God's wisdom and understanding takes effort over time. As human beings we are not naturally bent toward God. Instead we are rebellious and sin-filled. It takes time to reshape and re-bend us toward conformity with God. True wisdom is not simply a matter of mastering facts it is integrating it into our personal lives and letting it take root. Only then can we dispense it with a sense of humility and integrity.

Lord, help me to grow to be a man of Your wisdom and understanding. I pray for consistency to do my part as I seek the breath of Your Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.