Thoughts for the Day

Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper....

for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

When we need advice, to whom do we go? It may depend upon the kind of advice required, of course. If it's something to do with work we might ask a colleague or our boss. If it's something to do with the family it might be a trusted friend or parent. If medical, then perhaps it's a health worker. Psalm 1 reminds us that we should never follow advice from 'sinners', but what does this mean, since we are all sinners?

Well it means we should examine the character of the person, not just ask them because they understand the subject or the situation. It must be someone who is discrete, who can keep a confidence, and can be trusted to give impartial but good advice. As Christians we are taught to know people by their actions, and nothing can be more true of those from whom we seek advice.

But of course while we're wondering who can give us advice we shouldn't reject God, and if we turned to God first we shouldn't stop turning to Him. Our New Testament says 'If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you' (James 1.5), and Jesus says ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you (Matthew 7.7).

Lord Jesus Christ,
when we need advice
whatever the difficulty might be
remind us to turn to You
and then to seek another reliable source
of wisdom
Also teach us that sometimes
the answer will not be what we expect.
May we also continue to hold the problem
before You,
confident in Your promise
to hear and respond to our prayers.
Amen.