In Psalm 49, the Psalmist (the writer of this Psalm) gives his advice according to what God had been teaching him. Psalm 49:1-4, "Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding. I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle." As the Psalmist meditated the Word of God in his heart, his mind, and heart were full of God's wisdom. He was declaring the wisdom that he gained by spending time with God. There are so many things that we can learn from this Psalmist. We gain understanding and wisdom when we spend time with God in His Word. Many seek understanding and wisdom in their situations, but they never spend time with the Lord. Proverbs 2:6 says, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."
When we need knowledge and understanding in our situation, the first thing that we need to do is to pray to God to give us knowledge and understanding in our situation instead of trying to get information from the advice of others, read helpful books, or search for answers in the internet. God is the source of direction since He is our source of knowledge and understanding. For example, when we need knowledge and wisdom in our health issues, we need to seek God to guide us on what we need to do and ask God to guide us to the right doctor or health consultant. If we have doctors already, we need to pray for our doctors that God will give them knowledge and wisdom on how to help us. Let us be careful of immediately seeking the advice of others before we ask God for knowledge and wisdom. We need to remember that people are limited in their understanding, no matter how educated or experienced they are. When we already seek God for knowledge and understanding of our situation, and we have been waiting, we need to keep on seeking God until He gives us direction on what we need to do. In the midst of waiting, we need to ask God what steps we should take or guide us to the right information. Keep on engaging with God daily through prayer and rest in Him instead of worrying.
God often guides me to people who have the information I need. God can help us in many mysterious ways, and His help is limitless. We just need to keep seeking Him in our prayers and His Word. Asking God for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom is not a one-time thing; it is a constant process because God wants us to walk by faith and not by what we see and understand.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). Who is the source of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom? What must I do first when I need direction in my situation? Is asking God for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in my situation a one-time thing, or is it a constant process? Why?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I need your knowledge, understanding, and wisdom today. Please forgive me if I have been searching for answers through other means than seeking you first for wisdom. I acknowledge that you are my source of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Please help me to trust your ways completely, for you are an all-knowing and all-powerful God. There is nothing impossible for you. Guide my footsteps today and lead me in the right direction and people that you can use to help my situation. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.