James 1:5-8
Before studying any passage, it’s important to understand the context.
For those unfamiliar, here’s a quick summary of James.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:5-8 ESV
In verses 2-4, James shares a powerful truth; The only way out of trials is through them. As he continues his letter, he transitions to talk about wisdom and double-mindedness. He starts verse 5 with If… It’s almost as if he recognizes that trials expose a lack of wisdom and insight. The type of insight that only God can give.
James proceeds to put the reader on game. He’s essentially giving the cheat code for the steps to navigate challenging circumstances; Ask God. James knows that God is the ultimate source of wisdom and he’s confident in God’s character. God operates in generosity and gives without reservation. So whenever trials are encountered, the first place believers should run to for guidance is the Lord. He’s the only one who can give a true insight into whatever situations are faced.
James writes that there’s a clause to the request for wisdom; it’s faith. The believer must ask in faith without doubting. Faith is more than just being confident that God will give us what we ask for. Faith is this unwavering trust in God alone. What James recognizes is that trials test our faith muscles. He uses the waves tossed by the wind to help us visualize what it looks like to doubt God. He’s exposing the instability and inconsistency of a person who has wavering trust; one moment trusting in God and the next moment swayed by something else.
James knows that double-mindedness is a sign of divided allegiance. Whether realized or not, the double-minded person is trying to serve two gods. If we are to love the Lord with all of our hearts, minds, and souls, then double-mindedness reveals a deeper concern. There is some aspect of belief in God that is fractured. Some untruth about God’s nature that needs to be examined and uprooted. James is warning the reader of the deeper dangers of operating with double-mindedness like being disconnected from God’s wisdom and provision.
Reflect
Think about the last time you doubted God. What thoughts were you wrestling with?
What do they reveal about how you saw God’s character? Take time to consider if your previous thoughts were rooted in truth or lies. Find verses that reinforce truth and combat the lies.
