(5) If any of you lacks in wisdom, let him ask of 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.
Following his encouragement to endure trials for the purpose of Christian maturity, Paul insists that God’s wisdom must be present in enduring trials in order to mature. When we lack wisdom in the midst of difficulties, we are instructed to pray (1:5). This “wisdom” we are encouraged to seek is not something we can pursue and acquire through ourselves, but only given to us by God in order that we can carry out His will. As well, James urging corresponds with Jesus’ teaching in the gospels (Matt 7:7). When we seek him prayer, we are to approach God in faith: a settled trust and confidence of God (Moo; 1:6). In contrast, we are deterred from approaching God in doubt. Going between trust in God and our own natural ability causes instability and uncertainty and in our lives (1:6). Although we are instructed to approach God in the right attitude, let me comfort your uneasiness that this doesn’t mean that no prayers will be answered when asked in doubt, but instead that God wants us to know that he responds to us when our lives reflect “consistency of purpose and intent – spiritual integrity (Moo).”
Paul continues to elaborate on the instability of the individual who is torn between the world and God. When we don’t trust God in prayer through faith, we dishonor God by doubting his goodness. James primary concern is that as believers, we should live a wholehearted, consistent commitment to God which leads to right thinking, speaking, and acting in the midst of trials. Nevertheless, a division in the soul contradicts our claim to belong to God (Moo).
Whether we admit it or not, we tend to depend upon ourselves, our abilities, and the abilities of others in difficult times. This tendency has probably be influenced by the “world’s” view of solving problems by “pulling up your own boot straps.” We even sometimes approach our studies the same way, believing that our ultimate reason for success was due to our efforts in study. However, this passage challenges us that in order to mature, we need to constantly seek God’s wisdom and guidance through prayer. We need to feel confident that our God is good and is looking out for our spiritual well-being and will provide for us what is necessary to mature in our faith. The God we serve is a generous God who will not push you aside when you approach him. He wants to hear our concerns and questions. He wants us to approach him in trust, believing that he is able to give wisdom and meet our needs. I encourage you to seek God today and every day for wisdom from above.