Ask, and Do Not Argue With Yourself

Right after telling his readers that trials produce maturity, James anticipates the obvious objection. Maturity is the goal, but how does anyone know what to do in the middle of the trial? Which job, which doctor, which words to say to the son who has stopped calling? James answers with a promise that is startling in its plainness. If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Notice the character of the giver. He gives generously, and he gives without finding fault. That second phrase matters. Many of us hesitate to ask because we suspect God is tired of us, or because we made the mess ourselves and feel we have no standing to ask for help cleaning it up. James says the Father does not reproach the asker. He does not sigh. He gives.

Then comes the condition, and it is not what we expect. James does not say you must be holy enough, or pray long enough. He says you must ask without doubting, because the doubter is like a wave driven and tossed by the wind. The word he uses for doubting describes a person divided against himself, a man arguing with himself, one foot in and one foot out. James calls him double-minded, and says he should not expect to receive anything.

This is not a demand for perfect certainty about outcomes. It is a demand for a settled decision about whom you are asking. The double-minded person asks God for wisdom while keeping a second plan in reserve in case God's wisdom turns out to be inconvenient. He wants guidance he can overrule. James says that is not really asking at all.

So the turn toward life is simple. When you next need wisdom, decide first that you will take what God gives. Then ask. Ask about the ordinary decisions, not only the crises. Ask on the drive to work. The promise is that he gives, and the only thing standing in the way is the argument you keep having with yourself.