Hey, Dad. What do you think?

I miss my Dad today, on what would have been his 81^st birthday. I would love to pull up a chair and talk. One my sons called me yesterday to ask for advice. Nothing earthshaking, just a “Dad, what do you think?” kind of question. Counsel steadies us. The wisdom of experience is passed – one generation to the next.

Dad is in Heaven but I am still fathered- by the eternal Father! And, so are you! If we are in need of wisdom, James reminds us to ask! "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." (James 1:5, NIV)  Then, we must pause to listen. ‘Be still!’   When we are in need of counsel, when we are pulled by indecision we may be tempted to run here and there. The more urgent our sense of need, the more frantic we can become. There is another better way:  "Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress." (Psalm 46:8-11, NLT)

That wisdom may arrive as an inspired thought, a flash of insight, the whisper of the Spirit.
It may be an article you just ‘happen’ to read.
It may be a passage from the Word that takes new light.
Perhaps a friend will sense your need and be moved by the Spirit to come alongside and help.

Did you know that listening prayer (contemplative) can be difficult?

Jesus warns us about praying with too many words. He said, "When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:7-8, NIV)  When you come to God are you expecting an answer or do you think He must be convinced to pay attention, begged to hear? Jesus assures that the Father is listening. We need to stop talking, stop rehearsing our fear or uncertainty so can we can hear the ‘still, small voice’ that brings His wisdom to us.

Seeking His wisdom requires patience, too. "In your patience possess ye your souls." (Luke 21:19, KJV) Memorize those 7 words and if when you’re filled with questions, repeat them. What do they mean? “Patience” is a translation of the an interesting word in the original text of the Bible- ‘hupomone’ (hoop-om-on-ay).  It means ‘standing firm, literally, standing up under pressure.’  Let go and let God. Be patient!

My Dad reached for the Scripture and offered counsel many times to me in the past. He quoted a favorite Psalm. Let it be your word from the Word for this day.

"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act."  (Psalm 37:2-7, NLT)

Got questions? Ask! Then, be still and wait.  He will give you what you need, all you need.