We’re entering that time of year when the images in those holiday newsletters that flood my inbox look little like the reality inside my home. My table is not set with the latest Thanksgiving trends, and I don’t foresee my family wearing matching Christmas PJs, at least with smiles on our faces (because, teenagers). And every year, around this time, it strikes me that a season of celebrating gratitude for all God has done, and the peace of Jesus, can be so stressful. Why do navigating family quarrels, long wish lists, and fear of disappointment seem to take precedence?

Lately, I’ve found James’ call for peaceable wisdom amongst those who were quarreling in the early church really resonating with me. The circumstances James is addressing are quite different, of course, but his message is still so applicable, even within our own families.

Here are two takeaways we can draw from James for this bumpy season.

1. Take all your desires to God in prayer

In James 4:2, he says “You do not have, because you do not ask God.”

God is so gracious. When we harbor our desires and allow them to fester inside us, they fuel conflict. Instead, we can lay our desires before the Lord and ask him to meet us right where we are.

He is our loving Father, and as Matthew 7:9-11 says, “Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

Because God is gracious we can bring all the things, all our stuff to him. Our biggest dreams, our littlest desires.

One commentator said,

Prayerlessness is a sign that someone is trying to run things in their own strength, for their own sake, and under their own authority. Prayerlessness arises from a sense of independence from God – so that instead of praying about our desires, we indulge them. Rather than trusting in the Father, who delights in giving good gifts to his children, we ourselves decide what is good and seek to gain it through our own efforts.

We’re created to desire God, a relationship with him, and the gifts he gives, like a meaningful life, true love, value, justice, and peace. Only he can truly satisfy our desires. No other person or circumstance can do what God can. God invites us into prayer to share our deepest, truest desires with him - and then to allow him to conform our desires to his goodwill, and align ourselves to his priorities.

2. Pray for Wisdom

True wisdom, Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10 tell us is grounded in the fear of the Lord. The Baker Bible Dictionary elaborates on this and says, “Wisdom refers to developing expertise in negotiating the complexities of life and managing those complexities in a morally responsible way that honors God and benefits both the community and the individual.”

Couldn’t we all use a little more of that this season?

James makes it clear that true wisdom only comes from God. We can’t create it, learn it, or live it apart from Him. Thankfully, again, we can ask for and expect to receive it from God. He tells us, “ 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” (1:5).

God has great gifts in store for you and me this season if we’ll only come to him and receive them. So what’s holding you back? What desires are you harboring or expecting to be met by others? What are you depending on to help you navigate this season well? Bring it all to the Lord!

Wishing you the very best this season!

xoxo,

Lauren